Methods and compositions for retarding and eradicating infestation in trees and tree derived products

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to compositions and their methods of manufacture and use which are effective for delivering a homogeneous distribution of a boron containing active ingredient to a tree or tree derived substrate for the purpose of preventing or eradicating an infestation and/or for imparting flame retardency thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to compositions for use with livingtrees, cut timber or lumber, and other wood based products. Thesecompositions provide protection and relief from infestation such asinsects and fungi. Methods of using these composites are alsocontemplated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] While lumber and other wood based products derived from trees arenot perishable, they are, nevertheless, susceptible to a host of naturaldestructive forces. These primarily include attack by insects, such astermites, carpenter ants and the like and fungi such as brown (PoriaSp.) and white (Polyporous Sp.) wood decay fungi (Poria Incrassata).Living, growing trees are also subject to attack from insects and fungi.

[0003] Many protective treatments have been developed for the protectionof lumber and other tree derived products. For example, Bechgaard, U.S.Pat. No. 4,610,881 relates to a protective composition with apenetrating carrier which comprises a mixture of ethylene glycol land aborate-containing composition which may be disodium octaboratetetrahydrate. In addition, the composition may be diluted with up to 50%by weight of water. However, the Bechgaard patent specifically teachesthat such additions of diluent are disadvantageous because aqueoussolutions of the active ingredient diffuse into the wood more slowly.Therefore, the amount of dilution should be minimized and, in fact,should not exceed 20% by weight. In fact, Bechgaard instructs that it ispreferred that no water be present, to the extent possible. Bechgaardalso suggest that it is known to impregnate wood with polyethyleneglycol in order to make the wood more dimensionally stable (preventingshrinkage when the wood dries). See also Ember, Preserving The Past, C&ENews 10, 12 (Nov. 14, 1988). It has also been suggested that minoramounts (i.e. about 2%) of fungicidal, insecticidal or fire retardantagents may be added thereto. These additives can include boroncontaining compounds. See Ember, Preserving the Past at Page 12.However, such uses involve polyalkylene glycols having a relatively highmolecular weight, i.e., 1000 or higher.

[0004] Chapman et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,305,298 relates to a protectivetreatment for wood. The treatment includes water, methanol, ethyleneglycol, propylene glycol ethers, hologenated phenols, soluble borates,appears to be used as a buffering agent for the system. Chapman et al.requires the formation of a complex compound involving the organicmercury compounds, the borate ion and the hydroxylated compounds.

[0005] Ploquin U.S. Pat. No. 2,968,590 relates to a synergistic boricacid fungicidal composition which includes a boron containingcomposition, at least one organic compound having in its formula twoidentical or different radicals selected from OH, NH₂, NH and at leastone organic or mineral base in an amount sufficient to make the pH ofthe product in the neighborhood of about pH 9. The organic compound mayinclude “the glycols”. All of the examples of Ploquin are limited tohexylene glycol or methylene glycol.

[0006] Stutz, U.S. published patent application B 848,336 relates to awood preservative containing alkaline metal cyanides. More specifically,the alkaline metal cyanide is added to an alkaline borate bufferedliquid fungicide concentrate of chlorophenates, and organic or inorganicsalts of mercury, lead, titanium, copper and zinc. Furthermore, Stutzdiscloses the use of solvents which consist of alkanols having 1-4carbon atoms which include a number of glycols identified at Column 2,lines 50-54.

[0007] Thornton et al., British Patent No. 937,766 relates toimprovements in the treatment of wood and in the products obtained. Thepatent discloses a formulation which includes a boron containing activeingredient mixed with a small amount of a glycol containing from 2-8carbon atoms, especially ethylene glycol. The amount of such ingredientsshould not exceed approximately 5%. Ethylene glycol, as used in thepractice of the patent, is shown to be effective in concentrations ofapproximately 1%.

[0008] Short et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,871 relates to a method ofimpregnating wood with boric acid or boric oxide by the use of boricacid esters of alcohols and thereafter hydrolyzing the esters. Accordingto Short et al., it is well known that boric acid or boron oxide areeffective as flame-proofing and fire-retardant agents for wood products.

[0009] See also, generally, Birkner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,099,598,Draganov, U.S. Pat. No. 3,378,381, Patel et al., U.S. Pat. No.4,719,110, Goettsche et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,179, Turner, U.S. Pat.No. 4,303,726, Boocock et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,440,298 and Oberley, U.S.Pat. No. 4,373,010.

[0010] However; despite these and other wood preservative products andmethods, nothing has been found to be completely satisfactory for avariety of reasons. For example, the composition of Champman et al. andStutz include such compounds as alkaline metal cyanides and organic orinorganic salts of mercury. Such compounds are environmentallyhazardous, many pose safety risks to persons and animals, and createdifficult and expensive disposal problems.

[0011] The composition described in Bechgaard does not appear to sufferfrom these disadvantages. However, the viscous ethylene glycol solutionstaught therein are not applicable to all situations and not suitable fora number of application techniques. See Johnson et al., A Test of“Boracol”, A New Formulation Containing Borates, For the DiffusionTreatment of Lumber, project No. 02-17-43-396 dated May 1986, preparedfor Forintek Canada Corp. at page 1. Furthermore, testing hasestablished that the compositions of Bechgaard are not effective ineither rapid or deep penetration. See Id. In fact, it has been found,completely contrary to the teachings of Bechgaard, that the presence ofwater in a borate delivery system is generally necessary for reasonsother than a reduction of viscosity.

[0012] Finally, all of the treatments previously described are limitedto timber, lumber and tree derived products. They are not applicabledirectly to living, growing trees to protect them from infestation.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to providecompositions useful for retarding and eradicating infestation in livingtrees and methods for applying such compounds to trees.

[0014] It is also an object of the present invention to provide forcompositions which are useful for protecting cut timber, lumber, andother similar tree derived products from infestation, and which areuseful in retarding or eradicating existing infestation. Methods ofusing such compositions are also an object of the present invention.

[0015] It is further an object of the present invention to providesolutions to the problems of wood infestation which are environmentallysafe, economical and adapted for efficient application under a widevariety of circumstances. Without limitation, these include applicationto living trees, lumber and other tree derived products, existingstructures and dwellings as well as within and around such structuresand dwellings.

[0016] These and other objects will become readily apparent to those ofordinary skill in the appropriate art after a review of what follows.

[0017] In accordance with the objects just described, one aspect of thepresent invention is the provision of an environmentally safecomposition for treating trees and tree derived products which includesat least one short chain polyalkylene glycol having an average molecularweight of between about 200 and 400, at least one short chain alkyleneglycol, and a glycol soluble boron containing compound in an amounteffective to retard or eradicate infestation.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment in accordance with thisaspect of the present invention, the aforementioned at least one shortchain polyalkylene glycol is polyethylene glycol and is present in anamount of between about 4% and about 23% by weight; the aforementionedat least one short chain alkylene glycol is ethylene glycol and ispresent in amount of between about 27% and about 76% by weight and theaforementioned glycol soluble boron containing compound is disodiumoctaborate tetrahydrate and is present in an amount of between about 20%and about 50% by weight. In a more preferred embodiment in accordancewith this aspect of the present invention, the polyethylene glycol hasan average molecular weight of about 200 and is present in an amount ofbetween about 8% and 15% by weight and more preferably between about 10%and 13% by weight. The ethylene glycol is present in an amount ofbetween about 35% and about 62% and more preferably between about 45%and about 54% by weight. The disodium octaborate tetrahydrate is presentin an amount of between about 30% and 50% by weight and more preferablybetween about 36% and about 45% by weight.

[0019] In a most preferred embodiment in accordance with this aspect ofthe present invention there is provided a composition includingpolyethylene glycol in an amount of about 11.9% by weight, ethyleneglycol in an amount of about 47.5% by weight and disodium octaboratetetrahydrate in an amount of about 40.6% by weight.

[0020] Compositions according to this aspect of the present inventionmay also be expressed in terms of the ratio of boron to the mixed glycolcarrier. Specifically, there may be provided an environmentally safecomposition for treating trees and tree derived products which includesa mixed glycol having at least one short chain polyalkylene glycol withan average molecular weight of between about 200 and about 400, and atleast one short chain alkylene glycol; and boron provided as a glycolsoluble boron containing composition, in an amount effective to preventor eradicate infestation.

[0021] The term “mixed glycol(s)” is intended to describe a mixture ofat least one short chain polyalkylene glycol and at least one shortchain alkylene glycol, preferably in a ratio of from about 1 part ofsaid at least one polyalkylene glycol to about one part of said at leastone alkylene glycol through about one part of said at least onepolyalkylene glycol to about 20 parts of said at least one alkyleneglycol.

[0022] By the term “boron provided as a glycol soluble boron containingcomposition”, it shall be understood that elemental boron is notgenerally soluble, at room temperatures, in glycol or water basedsolvents. Therefore, the introduction of boron into these compositionsrequires the use of a complexed form thereof such as, for example,disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, borax, boric acid, the potassium,ammonium, and sodium salts of boric acid, and boric oxide. These glycolsoluble boron containing compounds vary greatly in their boron content.However, to determine the proportions of ingredients useful inaccordance with the present invention, one need merely calculate theamount of elemental boron to be delivered, regardless of the form theboron takes, and then select an appropriate amount of the desired boroncontaining composition to deliver that amount of boron. The ratio ofmixed glycols can then be determined based on the amount of boron andtype of boron containing species.

[0023] Furthermore, in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, the ratio of the boron provided as a glycol soluble boroncontaining composition to the mixed glycol carrier, ranges from about 1part boron to about 5 parts mixed glycol to 1 part boron to about 20parts mixed glycol. In a particularly preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the ratio of boron, provided as a glycol solubleboron containing composition to the mixed glycols is about 1:6.6 toabout 1:10.0 and in a most preferred embodiment the ratio is about1:7.12 and the ratio of polyethylene glycol having an average molecularweight of about 200 to the ethylene glycols is about 1:4.

[0024] The compositions in accordance with this aspect of the presentinvention are viscous and generally too concentrated for economicalapplication to timber. However, these formulations can be substantiallydiluted with a diluent, and preferably water, in order to form lessviscous solutions having a wide range of applicability. Unlikecompositions known in the art such as those described in Bechgaard,dilution can be accomplished without substantially sacrificing the speedand/or completion of penetration of the glycol soluble boron containingcomposition (active ingredient). In fact, it has been unexpectedly foundthat such dilutions are often essential in order to accomplish suchpenetration.

[0025] In addition to its ability to accommodate water, the compositionsin accordance with this aspect of the present invention can be directlyapplied to live trees in order to provide in situ protection from insectinfestation, fungal infestation and the like. It has been found thatwhen the undiluted composition of this aspect of the present inventionis administered directly to the interior of the tree, the activeingredient (boron containing compound) is dispersed through the tree.The tree is then protected from insect infestation, fungal infestationand the like. The tree so treated also has enhanced flame retardance.Furthermore, lumber manufactured from the tree so treated continues toexhibit resistance to infestation without additional treatment. In somecases, it may be advantageous to slightly dilute these formulations fordirect application to living trees. In these cases, a dilution of about1 part boron to about 4.3 parts water is preferred.

[0026] Other compositions useful in accordance with the presentinvention include glycerine and a boron containing active ingredient,with or without a short chain alkylene glycol such as ethylene glycol.These compositions are also useful for treating a live tree to preventor eradicate infestation. This may be accomplished by the steps of:drilling a hole in the trunk of a tree to be treated; inserting intosaid hole adaptive means for accommodating the introduction of asolution; administering an environmental safe composition comprisingboron provided as a glycerine soluble boron cbntaining composition in anamount effective to prevent or eradicate infestation and glycerine in anamount effective to solubilize all of said boron.

[0027] Another method of treating a living tree to prevent or eradicateinfestation in accordance with another aspect of the present inventionincludes the steps of: drilling a hole in the trunk of a tree to betreated; inserting into said hole adaptive means for accommodating theintroduction of a solution; and administering an environmentally safecomposition comprising boron provided as a glycerine and glycol solubleboron containing compound; provided in an amount effective to prevent oreradicate infestation and a mixture of glycerine and at least one shortchain alyklyne glycol said mixture present in an amount effective tosolubilize all of said boron.

[0028] In accordance with another embodiment of this aspect of thepresent invention there are provided compositions such as those justdescribed which further include water. In one particular embodiment, theformulation in accordance with this aspect of the present inventionincludes at least one short chain polyalkylene glycol having an averagemolecular weight of between about 200 and 400, at least one short chainalkylene glycol, a glycol soluble boron containing compound in an amounteffective to prevent or eradicate infestation, and water which ispresent in an amount up to about 10 times the volume of the combinationof the other three ingredients; namely the at least one short chainpolyalkylene glycol, the at least one short chain alkylene glycol andthe glycol soluble boron containing compound.

[0029] In accordance with a more preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the composition includes water in an amount of between about0.5 and about 5 times the combined volume of the other threeingredients; namely the short chain polyalkylene glycol, short chainalkylene glycol, and the glycol soluble boron containing composition,and more preferrably, between about 1 and about 4 times the combinedvolume of these three ingredients.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment in accordance with this aspect of thepresent invention, there is provided a composition includingpolyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of about 200which is present in an amount of between about 8% and 15% by weight,ethylene glycol which is present in an amount of between about 35% andabout 62% by weight, disodium octaborate tetrahydrate which is presentin an amount of between about 30% and 50% by weight, and water which ispresent in an amount up to about 10 times the volume of the combinationof the other three ingredients.

[0031] In accordance with a more preferred aspect of the presentinvention, this composition contains water in an amount of between about0.5 and about 5 times the volume of the other three ingredients; namelythe polyethylene glycol, ethylene glycol and disodium octaboratetetrahydrate and more preferably, between about 1 and about 4 times thecombined volume of these three ingredients.

[0032] In accordance with another more preferred embodiment of thisaspect of the present invention there is provided a solution includingpolyethylene glycol in an amount of about 11.9% by weight, ethyleneglycol in an amount of about 47.5% by weight, disodium octaboratetetrahydrate is present in an amount of 40.6% by weight and water whichis present in an amount up to about 10 times the volume of thecombination of the other three ingredients.

[0033] In accordance with a most preferred embodiment of this aspect ofthe present invention, there is provided a composition whereinpolyethylene glycol is present in an amount of about 6.90%, ethyleneglycol is present in an amount of about 27.54%, disodium octaboratetetrahydrate is present in an amount of 23.54% and water is present inan amount of about 42.01% by weight, based on the total weight of thecomposition.

[0034] When expressed in terms of parts of boron provided as a glycolsoluble boron containing composition, the compositions in accordancewith this aspect of the present invention may also include water. Theamount of water included ranges from some amount greater than zero to anamount less than or equal to about 85.5 parts per part of boron providedas a glycol soluble boron containing compound. In a particularlypreferred embodiment, the amount of water ranges from about 8.8 partsper part of boron provided as a glycol soluble boron containing compoundto about 42.7 parts water per part of the aforementioned boron. In amore preferred embodiment the amount of water ranges from between about8.8 and about 34.2 parts per part boron provided as in glycol solubleboron containing compound.

[0035] It has been unexpectedly found that the addition of water in asubstantial amount to the compositions of the present inventionincluding the glycol soluble boron containing compound, and a mixedglycol solution including at least one short chain polyalkylene glycoland at least one short chain alkylene glycol actually facilitates thedeep, complete, and rapid penetration of the boron active ingredientinto the treated wood (substrate). This is particularly unexpected inview of the teachings of, for example, Bechgaard which discloses apreferred composition of 40% active ingredient (disodium octaboratetetrahydrate) dissolved in 60% ethylene glycol. According to Bechgaard,the presence of water in combination with the aforementioned compositionmay be a necessary evil for reducing the viscosity of the resultingcomposition to allow it to be easily applied to tree derived products.

[0036] However, in the ideal situation according to the teachings dfBechgaard, no water is added. According to Bechgaard, as the amount ofwater increases above 20% by weight based on the weight of the carrierplus active ingredient (35 fl. oz. per gallon) there is a greater rateof precipitation of the active ingredient from solution and theimpregnation rate and depth of penetration of the composition iscompromised.

[0037] However, it has been found that the compositions taught byBechgaard are, in general, no more efficacious than solutions ofdisodium octaborate tetrahydrate in water when applied to wood having ahigh water content, and only marginally superior when applied to woodhaving a low moisture content. See Johnson et al., Supra.

[0038] It has been unexpectedly found that water, when combined with acomposition consisting of ethylene glycol and disodium octaboratetetrahydrate actually facilitates deep and rapid penetration of theboron containing active ingredient into the substrate. Dilutions ofgreater than about 50% by weight with water, unexpectedly, improves thedelivery profile of the composition. Without wishing to be bound by anyparticular theory of operation, it is believed that the hygroscopicnature of ethylene glycol requires a significant amount of water andsignificant time period for efficacy. Therefore, and in accordance withone aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solutioncomprising ethylene glycol, disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, andgreater than about 50% by weight of water.

[0039] Further, it has been advantageously found that the addition of apolyalkylene glycol to a formulation including a boron containingcompound and an alkylene glycol allows for the incorporation of asubstantial amount of water and that the resulting formulations excel inways formerly unimaginable.

[0040] Not only do these compositions actually penetrate trees and treederived substrate quickly and completely, but their stability isincreased. For example, when the solutions including at least one shortchain alkylene glycol, a glycol soluble boron containing compound, andat least one short chain polyalkylene glycol having an average molecularweight of between about 200 and about 400 are diluted 1:1 with water,greater stability is achieved. Further, it has been suprisingly andunexpectedly found that dilutions of 1:2 through about 1:5 with water,by volume, have greater stability than 1:1 dilutions by volume. Thus theaddition of an increasing amount of water will actually add to thestorage stability of the resulting mixture. Most importantly, however,and as previously described, by the use of the polyalkylene glycol andwater containing solutions in accordance with the present invention ahomogenous distribution of substantially all of the boron activeingredients applied to the tree derived product can be achieved. Thispenetration and distribution is achieved more rapidly than previouslypossible, particularly in lumber used in furniture, buildings, and thelike, i.e. lumber having an approximate water content of between about15% and 30%.

[0041] Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, there are anumber of reasons why solutions containing only ethylene glycol and aboron containing active ingredient, with or without a minor amount ofdiluent, may be ineffective. One such theory is that the higherconcentrations of boron containing active ingredient found in theformulations in accordance with Bechgaard actually limit the potentialrapid penetration thereof. Wood is known to have a generally low pHwhich hydrolyzes the borate containing ionic species into boric acid.Boric acid has a fairly low solubility, approximately 4% at STP. Theresult is that the boron containing active ingredient will precipitateout of the ethylene glycol carrier and form a crystalline batrier justunder the surface of the wood. This crystalline barrier preventsadditional borate containing solution from penetrating. Similarphenomenon have been reported by studies conducted at Oregon StateUniversity where it was determined that high concentrations of aqueousborate solutions result in a decrease penetration when compared to thepenetration of lower concentration solutions. Thus, only in relativelyhigh moisture content wood would the solutions of Bechgaard, with orwithout water dilution accomplish significant wood penetration.

[0042] Furthermore, when the compositions in accordance with Bechgaardare applied, evaporation of the volatile ethylene glycol and water beginimmediately. This significantly limits the amount of carrier availablefor deep penetration and simultaneously shifts the equilibrium of thecomposition by increasing the relative concentration of boron containingcompound. This may significantly increase the chance of boronprecipitation within the wood. Finally, in low moisture content wood,the hygroscopic ethylene glycol has little moisture to use in drawingthe active ingredient into the wood substrate. Therefore, whilepenetration may be greater than other known compositions in dry wood, itis still insufficient to provide deep penetration. This phenomena may beevidenced by the fact that the surface of wood to which thefourmulations of Bechgaard have been applied remain tacky to the touchfor more than one week after application. However, if sufficient wateris provided to conventional ethylene glycol/disodium octaboratetetrahydrate formulations, then, despite evaporation, sufficientmoisture may be present to allow for deep penetration.

[0043] It has been unexpectedly and advantageously found that theaddition of certain polyalkylene glycols and particularly polyethyleneglycol having an average molecular weight of about 200, to theaforemention formulations facilitates the addition of significantamounts of water to the formulations. This has a number of advantageousconsequences. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory ofoperation, it is believed that the polyalkylene glycol stabilizes theactive ingredient, even in the presence of a significant concentrationof water. This helps prevent the precipitation of a crystalline boricacid and the formation of a penetration barrier. The presence ofpolyalkylene glycol also reduces the vapor pressure of the compositionfacilitating a decrease in the rate of evaporation of the water andethylene glycol. More importantly, however, the polyalkylene glycol isbelieved to form a temporary moisture barrier which essentially preventevaporation of the ethylene glycol and water thus preventing a shift inthe solutions equilibrium. Furthermore, because these compositions inaccordance with the present invention may include a significant amountof water, the compositions are particularly useful for application todry wood. It is believed that sufficient water is provided to the drysubstrate by the formulations of the present invention thus facilitatingthe deep penetration of the ethylene glycol and the boron containingcomposition carried thereby. The rapid penetration of the formulationsof the present invention is evidenced by the fact that within about 1hour following application to wood surfaces, the surface is not tacky.

[0044] The compositions in accordance with the present invention alsoprovide the user with significant advantages. Consider, for example, themanufacturer of lumber who wishes to add a wood preservative to thematerial exiting his mill. Because the solutions in accordance with thepresent invention would be formulated with a relatively low viscosity,they may be applied as a spray, in an economically fine mist, orprovided on a roller or brush which contact the wood as it moves along aconveyor. The presence of the polyalkylene glycol temporarily seals theformulations in accordance with the present invention within the woodallowing the penetration of the active ingredient to continue while thewood is in transit and, or, sitting in a lumber yard waiting for use.Because the presence of the temporary moisture barrier, the risk of thecarrier solution drying up prior to deep penetration is reduced andtherefore the need for re-application of preservatives is reduced.Finally, because the dilute solutions, in accordance with the presentinvention have a high degree of storage stability, the solutions can bepre-mixed and used at a considerably later date.

[0045] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method for manufacturing an environmentally safecomposition useful for preventing and eradicating infestation in a treeor tree derived product including the steps of charging at least oneshort chain polyalkylene glycol having an average molecular weight ofbetween about 200 and about 400 and at least one short chain alkyleneglycol to a sealable vessel; agitating the glycols preferably whileraising their temperature; adding to the glycols an amount of at leastone glycol soluble boron containing compound effective to prevent oreradicate infestation; agitating the glycols and the boron containingcompound to produce a homogenous mixture; elevating the temperature ofthe mixture to between about 160° F. and 180° F.; and filtering theresulting mixture.

[0046] There is also provided a method of diluting the compositions madeby the process just described by adding a measured amount of water tothe filtered mixture resulting from the process described immediatelyabove and mixing the diluted mixture to provide uniformity and eliminatecloudiness.

[0047] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method of preventing or eradicating an infestation in atree derived product including the steps of providing an environmentallysafe composition which includes at least one short chain polyalkyleneglycol having an average molecular weight of between about 200 and 400;at least one short chain alkylene glycol; and a glycol soluble boroncontaining compound in an amount effective to prevent or eradicateinfestation; diluting the composition with water in amount of betweenabout 0.50 and about 10.0 times the volume of the combination of theother three ingredients; mixing the resulting solution to provideuniformity and eliminate cloudiness; and applying the mixture to asurface of a tree or tree derived product.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment in accordance with the above describedmethod, the short chain polyalkylene glycol is polyethylene glycolhaving an average molecular weight of about 200 and is present in anamount of between about 8% and 15% and more preferably 10% and 13% byweight based on the weight of the undiluted composition; that is basedon the combined weight of the short chain polyalkylene glycol, shortchain alkylene glycol and the glycol soluble boron containingcomposition. The short chain alkylene glycol is preferably ethyleneglycol present in an amount of between about 35% and 62% and morepreferably between about 45% and 54% by weight based on the weight ofthe undiluted composition. The glycol soluble boron containingcomposition is preferably disodium octaborate tetrahydrate present in anamount of between about 30% and 50% and more preferably in an amount ofbetween about 36% and 45% by weight, based on the weight of theundiluted composition. Furthermore, in accordance with a preferredembodiment of this method, the amount of water provided ranges frombetween about 0.50 and 5 times the volume of the other threeingredients; namely, the polyethylene glycol, alkylene glycol and glycblsoluble boron containing active ingredients and, more preferably betweenabout 1 and 4 times the volume of the other three ingredients.

[0049] When placed in terms of parts boron there is provided a method ofpreventing or eradicating an infestation in a tree derived productcomprising the steps of: providing an environmentally safe compositionincluding a mixed glycol including at least one short chain polyalkyleneglycol having an average molecular weight of between about 200 and about400, and at least one short chain alkylene glycol; and boron provided asa glycol soluble boron containing composition in an amount effective toprevent or erradicate infestation; diluting said composition with waterin an amount of between about 1 part boron to about 8.8 parts water toabout 1 part boron to about 85.5 parts water; mixing the resultingsolution to provide uniformity and eliminate cloudiness; and applyingsaid mixture to a surface of a tree derived product.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the present inventionboron and the mixed glycols are present in an amount of between about 1part boron to about 5 parts mixed glycol to about 1 part boron to about20 parts mixed glycol and the mixed glycols include from about 1 part ofthe polyalkylene glycol to about 1 part of said alkalyne glycol to about1 part of said polyalkylene glycol to about 20 parts of said alkyleneglycol.

[0051] In a more preferred embodiment, the boron and mixed glycols arepresent in an amount of between about 1 part boron to about 6.5 partsmixed glycol to about 1 part boron to about 10 parts mixed glycol andthe water is present in an amount of between about 8.8 parts per partboron to about 34.2 parts per part boron.

[0052] In a most preferred embodiment, the boron is present in an amountof about 1 part per 7.12 parts of the mixed glycol and the ratio of saidpolyalkylene glycol and the alkylene glycol is about 1:4 and the wateris present in an amount of about 8.8 parts water to about 1 part boron.It is preferred that the polyalkylene glycol is polyethylene glycolhaving an average molecular weight of about 200 and the alkylene glycolis ethylene glycol.

[0053] The modes of application may include low pressure spraying, highpressure spraying, brushing, misting, immersion, injection, spreading,insertion, and pressure treatment.

[0054] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method of treating a living tree to prevent or eradicateinfestation comprising the steps of drilling a hole in the trunk of atree to be treated; inserting into the hole adaptive means foraccommodating the introduction of a solution; and administering anenvironmentally safe composition comprising at least one short chainpolyalkylene glycol having an average molecular weight of between about200 and about 400; at least one short chain alkylene glycol; and aglycol soluble boron containing compound in an amount effective toprevent or eradicate infestation to the tree through said adaptivemeans. The glycerine containing solutions in accordance with the presentinvention can also be used for direct application to trees.

[0055] The present invention also contemplates a tree so treated.

[0056] The present invention also includes, in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment, a composition of matter capable of providingprotection against infestation and weathering including a hemogenoussolution of at least one water emulsifiable polymer based weathersealant suitable for application to the surface of a tree derivedproduct in an amount of about 80% to about 90% by weight; and anenvironmentally safe composition for treating tree derived productswhich include at least one short chain polyalkylene glycol having anaverage molecular weight of between about 200 and 400, at least oneshort chain alkylene glycol, and a glycol soluble boron containingcompound present in an amount effective to prevent or eradicateinfestation, wherein said environmentally safe composition is providedin an amount of between about 10% and 20% by weight.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] The compositions of the present invention include at least oneshort chain polyalkylene glycol having an average molecular weight ofbetween 200 and 400. By short chain, it is understood that polyalkyleneglycols having repeating units of between 2 and 4 carbon atoms in lengthare contemplated. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the presentinvention, polyethylene glycol is used, and in a more preferredembodiment in accordance with the present invention the polyethyleneglycol has an average molecular weight of about 200.

[0058] Polyethylene glycols are readily available from a variety ofcommercial sources. One such source is Dow Chemical. For example, E200is an ethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of about 200and a chemical abstract registry number of 25322-68-3 which is availablefrom Dow Chemical.

[0059] Polyethylene glycols and polyethylene glycols having an averagemolecular weight of about 200 are preferred over polypropylene glycols,polybutylene glycols and glycols having a higher molecular weightbecause of their generally lower relative viscosity and their generalsolubility in water. For example, E200 polyethylene glycol has anaverage viscosity of 187 centistokes at 32° F. and 40 centistokes at 77°F., whereas E300 polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of300 and an average viscosity of 343 centistokes at 32° F. and 69centistokes at 77° F. Furthermore, E200 is the most hygroscopic of theglycol series just described.

[0060] It is most preferred that polyethylene glycol having an averagemolecular weight of about 200 be used exclusively. However, theadmixture of certain amounts of other average molecular weightpolyethylene glycols and, indeed, other polyalkylene glycols isspecifically contemplated. Such mixtures may be particularly useful whena particularly porous wood derived substrate is being treated.

[0061] The term “at least one short chain alkylene glycol” is intendedto mean an alkylene glycol having a chain length of about 2 to about 4carbon atoms. These would include, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol andbutulene glycol. However, the most preferred compound for use in thepresent invention is ethylene glycol. Due to the relative volatility ofethylene glycol it may be useful, in accordance with the presentinvention, to use a mixture of ethylene glycol and one of the othershort chain alkylene glycols disclosed herein.

[0062] The term infestation in accordance with the present invention ismeant to include specifically infestation by insects and fungi. However,infestation may include stain molds such as Ophiostoma Coerulem orbacterial infestation as well. More specifically, the compositions inaccordance with the present invention may be used to destroy and/orprevent the infestation of trees and tree derived products bySubterranean Termites: Reticulitermes, Heterotermes, Formosan Termites:Coptotermes, Dampwood Termites: Neotermes, Zootermopsis, DrywoodTermites: Kalotermes, Incisitermes, Powder Post Beetles: Lyctidae,Bostrichidae, Anobiid Beetles: Anobiidae, Old House Borers Flat-headedBorers : Buprestadae, Ambrosia Beetles: Platypodidae, Scalytidae,Long-horned Beetles: Cerambycidae, Anobium; Ambeodontus tristis;Hylotrupes: Lyctus brunneus; Anobium punctatum; Ambeodonius tristis;Hylotropes bajulus, Carpenter Ants: Camponotus; White and Brown WoodDecay Fungi including: Antrodia Sinuosa, Antrodia Xantha, AspergillisAmstelodami, Aspergillus Niger, Aureobasidium Pullulans, Basidomycete,Bisporia Pusillas 132, Ceratocystis Pluriannulata, Ceratocystis Picea,Chaetomium Globosum Keinze, Coniophora Cerebella, Coniophora Olivacea,Coniophora Puteana, Fomes Lividus, Fomes Officinalis, Pomes Pini, FomesPinicola, Gloephyllum Abietinum, Gloephyllum Sepiarium, GloephyllumTrabeum, Hericium Abietis, Heterobesidian Annosum, Lentinus Lepideus,Lenzites Trabea, Merulius Lacrymans, Ophiostoma Coeruleum, PaecilomycesVarioti, Phialophora Sp., Phialophora Fastigiata, PhialophoraHaffmannii, Phialophora Heteromorpha, Phialophora Lignicola, PhialophoraLueto-Olivacea, Phoma Herbarum, Phoma Lanosa, Polyporus Abietinus,Polyporus Rugulosus, Polyporous Sulphureus, Polyporus Tomentosus,Polyporous Versicolor, Polystictus Versicolor, Poria Carbonica, PoriaIncrassata, Poria Monticola 698, Poria Nigrescens 4856, Poria Placenta,Poria Subacida, Poria Vaillantii, Poria Vaporaria, Poria Xantha,Rhinocladiella sp., Sclerophoma Pityophila, Serpula Lacrymans,Sistotreme Brinkmenii, Stachbotrys Atra Corda, Stereum Abietirum,Torulla Sp., Trametes Lilacino-Gliva, Trametes Serialis, TrichocladiumAsperum and the like.

[0063] The term glycol soluble boron containing compound can be anyboron containing compound, or elemental boron to the extent that suchcompounds are generally soluble in the glycol solutions in accordancewith the present invention. “Generally soluble” is understood asincluding boron containing compositions capable of providing at leastabout 2% boron by weight to the undiluted mixed glycol solution.

[0064] In accordance with the present invention, the preferred glycolsoluble boron containing compounds include disodium octaboratetetrahydrate, the potassium, ammonium, and sodium salts of boric acid,boric acid, “borax” and boric oxide and mixtures thereof. The teem boraxincludes compounds having a general formula of Na₂B₄O₇·_(x)H₂O wherein“x” is a whole number from 0 to 10.

[0065] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, theamount of glycol soluble boron containing compound mixed with the atleast one short chain polyalkylene glycol and the at least one shortchain alkylene glycol is an amount sufficient to effectively prevent oreradicate infestation. According to Dr. Susan Jones of the U.S.Department of Agriculture, as little as 100 parts per million of boronis efficacious against, for example, dry wood termites. (Report of Dr.Susan Jones of U.S.D.A., Forest Products Research Laboratories,Gulfport, Miss., presented at the Conference on Urban Entomology,College Park, Md., February 1990). Other species of insects and fungimay require a greater concentration of boron for complete efficacy. Seealso: “Feeding and Survival of Subterranean Termites on Souther PinePressure-Treated with TIM-BOR, First Progress Report”, J. Mauldin & R.Beal, USDA Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station, 4510,FS-50-4502-7.230, January 1987; “Termite Resistance of Treated Wood inan Above Ground Field Test, Part II”, A. Preston, et al., TheInternational Research Group on Wood Preservation, Document No.IRG/WP/1300, May 25, 1986; “Integrated Protection Against Lyctid BeetleInfestations IV. Resistance of Boron-Treated Wood to Insect and FungalAttack”, L. Williams & T. Amburgy, Forest Products Journal, 37, No. 2,10 (1987); “Laboratory Studies of Termite Resistance III”, F. Gay, etal., Commonwealth Sci. Ind. Res. Org. (Australia), Div. Entomology,Tech. Paper No. 4, (1958); “The Threshold Level of Boron PreservativesAgainst Attack by the Dry-Wood Termite CryptotermesDomesticus-Kalotermitedea”, A. Tisseverasinghe & M. Jayatilleke, SriLanka Forester, 12, No. 2, 89 (1975); “Efficacy of Boron Salts AgainstAttack by Subterranean Termites”, M. Ortiz, Inf. Tec. Inst. For.,Santiago No. 21, 130 (1965).

[0066] It has been found, however, that a concentration of 500 parts permillion (ppm) boron (2400 ppm DOT active) is generally effective forpreventing or eradicating a broad spectrum of infestation. This isapproximately the amount of boron provided by a solution comprisingpolyethylene glycol in an amount of about 11.9% by weight ethyleneglycol in an amount of about 47.5% by weight and disodium octaboratetetrahydrate present in an amount of 40.6% by weight when diluted 1:1 byvolume with water when applied to a 6″×12″ board, having a density ofabout 30 lbs/cu.ft. and a moisture content of about 15%. (Application isto each side of the board, including the ends, until the point ofrun-off.)

[0067] For certain species of insect such as Formosan termites andcertain types of fungi, for example Aspergillus amstelodami moreconcentrated boron may be required. As such, it may be necessary toapply two coats of the boron containing compounds of the presentinvention to achieve optimum efficacy. Generally speaking, however, theamount of glycol soluble boron containing compound should range fromabout 20% to about 50% by weight of the undiluted formulation and morepreferably between about 30% and about 50% by weight thereof.

[0068] In another more preferred embodiment in accordance with thepresent invention, the amount of the glycol boron containing compoundshould range from about 36% and about 45% and is, most preferably, about40.6% by weight.

[0069] The amount of at least one short chain polyalkylene glycol havingan average molecular weight of between about 200 and about 400 useful inthe practice of the present invention may range from between about 4%and about 23% by weight of the undiluted composition. In a morepreferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention, theamount of the polyalkylene glycol may range between about 8% and 15% byweight of the undiluted composition and even more preferably betweenabout 10% and 13% thereof. In a most preferred embodiment in accordancewith the present invention, the at least one short chain polyalkyleneglycol having an average molecular weight of between about 200 and about400 is present in an amount of 11.9% by weight of the undilutedformulation.

[0070] The amount of polyalkylene glycol added depends upon a number offactors including, for example, the method by which the formulation isto be applied. A far more viscous solution may be accommodated by theuse of a brush or other applicator when compared to a spray or finemisting type of applicator. Therefore, the amount of polyalkylene glycolmay be greater when applied by a brush. The amount of polyalkyleneglycol may also be determined, to a certain extent, by the types ofpolyalkylene glycols used. If the polyalkylene glycol is a mixture of,for example, polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight ofabout 200 and polypropylene glycol, then less may be required oraccommodated because of the generally higher viscosity of the resultingmixed polyol. The porosity of the substrate to which the formulation isapplied may also play a role in determining the amount of polyalkyleneglycol used in the formulation.

[0071] In accordance with the present invention, the at least one shortchain alkylene glycol may be provided in an amount of between about 27%and about 76% by weight of the undiluted formulation, and morepreferably between about 35% and about 62% by weight thereof. In a morepreferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention, thealkylene glycol is present in an amount of about 45% to about 54% byweight of the undiluted formulation and most preferably, the amount ofalkylene glycol useful in accordance with the present invention is about47.5% by weight of the undiluted formulation.

[0072] The compositions according to the present invention may also beexpressed in terms of the ratio of boron to the mixed glycol carrier. Aspreviously discussed, elemental boron is generally insoluble in glycolsand therefore is provided as a glycol soluble boron containingcomposition. By knowing the amount of boron intended for delivery, onecan select an amount of boron based upon the glycol soluble boroncontaining composition to be used and adjust the amount of thatcomposition based, in part, upon its individual boron content. Bydetermining the amount of boron to be provided, the amount of mixedglycols necessary to act as carrier can be determined and their ratioselected.

[0073] Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, it is preferred that the ratio of boron provided as a glycolsoluble boron continuing compound to the mixed glycol solutioncontaining at least one short chain polyalkylene glycol having anaverage molecular weight of between about 200 and about 400 and at leastone short chain alkylene glycol be between about 1 part boron to about 5parts mixed glycol to about 1 part boron to about 20 parts mixed glycol.The mixed glycol should include from about 1 part of polyalkylene glycolto about 1 part of the alkylene glycol to about 1 part of thepolyalkylene glycol to about 20 parts of the alkylene glycol.

[0074] More preferably, the mixed glycols are present in an amount ofbetween about 6.5 and 10 parts per part boron provided as a glycolsoluble boron containing composition. In a particularly preferredembodiment in accordance with this aspect of the present invention, thepolyalkylene glycol is a polyethylene glycol having an average molecularweight of about 200, the alkylene glycol is ethylene glycol and theamount of boron contained in the composition is about 1 part per 7.12parts of the mixed glycols and the ratio of the polyethylene glycol tothe ethylene glycol is about 1:4. In a preferred embodiment inaccordance with the present invention the undiluted composition shouldinclude between about 4.0 and 10.5% boron and in a most preferredembodiment, the composition should include about 8.32% boron by weight.

[0075] In general, the undiluted formulations of the present inventioncan be made by both batch and continuous processes. One method ofmanufacturing the compositions in accordance with the present inventionincludes the steps of providing an amount of at least one short chainpolyalkylene glycol and at least one short chain alkylene glycol andcharging these glycols to a sealable vessel; agitating the mixed glycolsand, preferably, raising the temperature thereof. The glycol solubleboron containing compound is then added to the vessel under sufficientagitation to break up all lumps such that a homogeneous mixture isformed. The temperature of the mixture is then raised to betweenapproximately 160 and 180° F. with agitation. Finally, the solution isremoved from the vessel and filtered.

[0076] Another advantageous method of producing the undilutedformulations in accordance with the present invention includessimultaneously metering the correct proportions of the short chainpolyalkylene glycol, short chain alkylene glycol and glycol solubleboron containing compound into a mixing vessel, whereby the materialsare mixed at a constant rate in order to form a homogeneous solution.

[0077] Means are provided for drawing off a predetermined amount of thehomogeneous mixture from the mixing vessel at a fixed rate. The mixtureis then fed into a series of static mixers/heat exchangers, each ofwhich is independently temperature controlled, and the material iseventually heated to a temperature of between about 160° F. and 180° F.by the end of the process line. The solution is then filtered andpackaged.

[0078] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, theaforementioned formulations may be diluted with a diluent, preferablywater. There are a number of factors which play a role in determiningthe amount of dilution useful for a given application. For example, andas previously discussed, target infestation toxicity may play a largerole. The more boron required for efficacy, the less the dilution and/orthe greater number of applications. Furthermore, the density of thesubstrate may have some effect on the penetrability of the activeingredient. Generally, the more dense the substrate the more dilute thesolution should be.

[0079] Other factors include the size and ratio of surface area to totalvolume of the tree or tree derived products to be treated. Generally,the higher the surface area to volume ratio, the greater the allowabledilution. For example, lumber having a cross section of 6″×12″ can beeffectively treated by the solutions of the present invention whendiluted 1:1 with water. For lumber having a cross section less than6″×12″, more dilute solutions may be useful and more cost effectivewhile delivering a sufficient amount of boron.

[0080] The moisture content of the wood being treated also has a role indetermining dilution. Obviously the higher moisture content of thesubstrate to be treated, the less dilution that is required. Otherfactors include whether the lumber is so-called dimensional lumber or isa composite such as plywood and whether or not the wood is used infurniture. Water is known to raise the grain of the wood and thus lessdilute solutions may be useful for application to furniture.

[0081] The application method will also play a role in determining thesolution's appropriate dilution. If a paste is desirable, the dilutionshould be minimized. Another factor which may be considered is whetheror not the compositions in accordance with the present invention aregoing to be used with a top coat or sealant. In this eventuality it ispreferred that the solution be more dilute. Another factor to beconsidered is the speed of penetration required. For example, theformulation of the present invention, when diluted 1:4 with water andapplied to dimensional lumber having a 6″×12″ cross section and anapproximate density of 30 lbs./cu.ft. will provide about 500 ppm ofboron throughout the tree derived substrate. This concentration may notbe sufficient for completely eradicating an infestation of certaininsects and/or fungii. However, the rate of penetration of thisformulation is significantly greater than even a 1:1 dilution of thesame formulation. This rapid initial treatment, or “knock down”, may bequite useful under certain conditions.

[0082] Dilution can, under certain circumstances, be as much as 100times the weight of the undiluted composition. However, for mostpurposes, the compositions in accordance with the present invention canbe diluted by the addition of up to about 10 times the volume thereof.

[0083] In a highly preferred embodiment in accordance with the presentinvention, the undiluted formulation is diluted in a 1:1 volume ratiowith water, providing a solution that is about 6.90% polyalkyleneglycol, 27.54% alkylene glycol, about 23.54% glycol-soluble,boron-containing compound, and 42.01% water by weight, based upon thetotal weight of the composition. It has also been found that dilutionfactors, by volume, ranging from between about 1:0.5 (formulation/water)and 1:5 (formulation/water) are desirable and dilution factors ofbetween about 1:1 (formulation/water) and 1:4 (formulation/water) aremost preferred. In fact, it has been found that when the compositions ofthe present invention are diluted with between about 2 and about 4 timestheir volume of water, the storage stability and the rate of penetrationactually increase. This is true even when comparison is made toformulations diluted 1:1 with water.

[0084] Therefore, a preferred composition in accordance with the presentinvention includes between about 6.90% and about 3.05% polyethyleneglycol, between about 27.54% and about 12.19% ethylene glycol, betweenabout 23.54% and about 10.40% disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, andbetween about 42.01% and about 74.35% water by weight based upon thetotal weight of the composition.

[0085] When such diluted solutions are described in terms of the partsof boron present as a glycol-soluble boron-containing composition, theaforementioned composition includes about one part boron per 7.12 partsmixed glycols, and the ratio of the polyethylene glycol to the ethyleneglycol is about 1:4. The amount of water is between about 8.8 and about34.2 parts per part boron. Dilutions of about 1:1 equate to about 8.8parts water per part boron, dilutions of 1:2 equate to about 17.1 partswater per part boron, dilutions of about 1:3 equate to about 25.6 partswater per part boron, and a dilution of 1:4, by volume, equates to about34.2 parts water per part boron. A dilution of about 1:5 by volumeequates to about 42.7 parts water per part boron and a dilution of about1:10 by volume equates to about 85.5 parts water per part boron. TABLE IDilution % DOT % EBC Boron:Water (parts) 1.1 23.5 4.8 1:8.8  1:2 16.63.47 1:17.1 1:3 12.8 2.68 1:25.6 1:4 10.4 2.17 1:34.2 1:5 8.77 1.831:42.7  1:10 4.92 1.03 1:85.5

[0086] The formulation diluted in accordance with Table I included about11.9% by weight polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weightof about 200 (PEG 200), ethylene glycol in an amount of about 47.5% byweight (EG), and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate in an amount of about40.6% by weight (DOT). All weights reflect the undiluted formulation. %EBC is the % of equivalent boron content by weight.

[0087] In general, dilution may be accomplished by measuring a knownvolume of the undiluted compositions of the present invention andplacing same into a clean container. A measured amount of diluent,preferably water, is then added to the container. The use of warm watercan assist in the mixing process. The mixture is then stirred oragitated until the solution is uniform and all cloudiness disappears.

[0088] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there isprovided a solution comprising at least one short chain alkylene glycol,prefereably ethylene glycol, a glycol soluble boron containingcomposition and water present in an abmount of at least 50% by weightbased on the weight of the other two compositions. The ratio of thealkylene glycol to the boron containing composition should be from about10:1 to about 1.5:1. However, in a preferred embodiment in accordancewith this aspect of the present invention, there is produced a solutioncomprising approximately 40% by weight of disodium octaboratetetrahydrate and 60% by weight of ethylene glycol, diluted with greaterthan about 50% by weight of water, based on the combined weight of theethylene glycol and the disodium octaborate tetrahydrate. The amount ofwater diluent can range from about 50% by weight to about 1000% (10:1ratio). Formulations in accordance with this aspect of the presentinvention may lack the stability of the polyethylene glycol and watercontaining formulations previously described, and, due to evaporation,will not continue to penetrate a wood substrate for as long a period oftime. However, these formulations may be suitable for certainapplications.

[0089] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention thereis provided a solution which includes, at very least, a boron containingactive ingredient such as those previously described and glycerine.Specifically, there is provided an environmentally safe composition fortreating trees and tree derived products comprising boron provided as aglycerine soluble boron containing composition in an amount effective toprevent or eradicate infestation and glycerine in an amount effective tosolubilize all of said boron. Generally speaking, the glycerine ispresent in an amount of from about 5 to about 20 parts per part boronand, in a preferred embodiment, the boron provided as a glycerinesoluble boron containing composition is disodium octaboratetetrahydrate. In a more preferred embodiment, the formulation inaccordance with this aspect of the present invention is a compositionhaving 40.6% by weight of disodium octaborate tetrahydrate with thebalance being glycerine. This composition may also be diluted with up to10 times the volume of water or approximately up to 85.5 parts water perpart boron in the diluted formulation. Preferably, however, theformulation as diluted with from 1 to about 4 times its volume withwater or is diluted with between 8.8 and 34.2 parts water per partboron.

[0090] In another aspect of the present invention there is provided aforumulation similar to that just described except that a portion of theglycerine is replaced by at least one short chain of alkylene glycolsuch as, for example, ethylene glycol. Specifically, the presentinvention provides an environmentally safe composition for treatingtrees and tree derived products which includes boron provided as aglycol and glycerine soluble boron containing compound or composition inan amount effective to prevent or eradicate infestation and; a mixtureof glycerine and at least one short chain alkylene glycol. The mixtureof the glycol and glycerine should be present in an amount effective tosolubilize all of the boron. Preferably, the mixture of glycerine andglycol is present in an amount of from about 5 to about 20 parts perpart boron and the ratio of glycol to glycerine ranges from about 4:1 toabout 1:4. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the boronprovided as a glycerine and glycol soluble boron containing compound orcomposition is disodium octaborate tetrahydrate and is present in anamount of about 40.6% by weight, the short chain alkyene glycol isethylene glycol which is present in an amount of 47.5% by weight and theglycerine is present in an amount of about 11.9% by weight.

[0091] These formulations may similarly be diluted by up to about 10times their volume with water.

[0092] The glycerine and glycerine/glycol solutions of the presentinvention have pronounced disadvantages with regard to their applicationas compared to the polyalkylene glycol and water based formulationspreviously described. Generally speaking, they are more viscose, tacky,and somewhat more difficult to work with. However, they may bemanufactured and used in the same way as the alkylene glycol/boroncontaining compound and polyalkylene glycol/alkylene glycol/boroncontaining compounds of the present invention. Furthermore, becauseglycerine is less expensive than certain glycols and poses absolutely nothreat to the environment, it may be applicable in areas of particularenvironmental sensitivity or where cost is critical. Furthermore, due toits tackiness, it is preferable to use the glycerine based formulationsof the present invention through an injection application method such asinjecting these formulations into wood pre-treated with a weathersealant, and the like, as well as live trees.

[0093] A number of ingredients or additives may be added to any of theformulations of the present invention without departing from thisinvention and without materially altering the characteristics of theformulations. These ingredients include: surfactants such as TRITONX-100 manufactured by Rohm & Haas, present in amount of from about 0.01%to about 1% or AMP-95, manufactured by Angus Chemicals present in theamount of about 0.001% to about 0.4%; colorants including pigments suchas AQUASPERSE manufactured by Nuodex, Inc. present in the amount ofabout 0.25% and 5.0% or dyes such as Pylam dyes, produced by Pylam ProdCo., Inc. present in the amount of from about 0.1% to about 2%;Mildicides such as BUSAN M-11 present in the amount of from about 1% to10%, BL-1067 present in the amount from about 0.5% to about 5% BUSAN1009, present in an amount from about 0.5% through about 5% and BUSAN30WB, present in an amount from about 0.5% to about 5% (all manufacturedby Buckman Labs.); Spreader/stickers such as TRITON B-1956 manufacturedby Rohm & Haas present in the amount from about 0.01% to about 1%;thickening agents such as polyvinyl alcohol manufactured by Air Productspresent in the amount of from about 0.001% through 1% by weight andTEXIPOL 13-510, manufactured by Scott Bader, present in the amount offrom about 2.5% to about 5%; film forming agents such as AIRFLEX 500,manufactured by Air Products, and present in an amount of between about5% and about 50%; UNOCAL 1018 manufactured by UNOCAL present in anamount of about 5% to about 50%; water repellents such as 85 ADDITIVEmanufactured by Dow Corning, present in an amount of about 1% to 10% andstablizers such as sodium sulphite available through Fisher Scientificin an amount of about 1% through 5%.

[0094] Various formulations in accordance with the present invention maybe used for a wide variety of purposes. These include use as aninsecticide applied to the bark or under the bark of living trees, tothe siding or exposed or unexposed wood members of dwellings orstructures, decks, furniture, etc. It may also be added to eradicate orto prevent infestation by fungi, as previously described. Theformulations in accordance with the present invention may be applied towood being used for construction prior to its sale and/or prior to itsleaving the milling or other manufacturing facility.

[0095] It should be remembered when reviewing the following that itshould be possible to accomplish total penetration and distribution ofboron in an amount of about 500 ppm by the application, to dimensionallumber having a cross section of 6″×12″ of one application of thepreferred formulations prepared in accordance with this invention, whendiluted 1:1 with water to each side of the lumber, including the ends,to the point of run off. However, it is often impossible to gain accessto each side of lumber when it is part of an existing structure. In thatcase, it may be necessary to repeatedly coat a lesser number of sides toobtain the full distribution of the active material. Or, if the wood hasa higher surface area and/or cross section, the application to only alimited number of sides may be adequate.

[0096] In other cases, access may be limited to a small area resultingfrom a hole drilled through, for example, a wall in a house. In thateventuality, it may be appropriate to inject the formulation of thepresent invention, directly into the wood. In such cases, 1 gallon of1:1 diluted injected solution should provide 500 ppm's of boron whenapplied to about 400 board feet of wood. (One board ft. equals1″×12″×12″ wood or 144 in.³)

[0097] More specifically, the uses of the compositions in accordancewith the present invention include the remedial treatment of treederived products for the control of subterranean, formosan, drywood anddampwood termites, carpenter ants, old house borers, anobiid and otherwood boring beetles and wood decay fungi. This may be accomplished bythe application of a diluted solution of the composition of the presentinvention to the point of runoff to infested areas and to those areassusceptible to infestation to include all exposed wood. Two coats ofdiluted solutions are applied in accordance with the present inventionwhen heavily infested areas are being treated, waiting at least 20minutes between applications. When practical, diluted solutions can beinjected into beetle holes, termite and carpenter ant galleries, anddecay pockets, and the like.

[0098] Infested wood flooring can be treated by spray or brushapplication. It will generally be necessary in such cases to remove anyexisting finish by sanding or the like prior to application. Dilutedsolutions are applied in accordance with the present invention at a rateof approximately 1 gallon per 500 square feet of floor surface, thusproviding boron in an amount sufficient to control or preventinfestation. At least 72 hours are permitted to then elapse aftertreatment and before applying a new floor finish coating. If at thatpart the surface remains tacky or a residue is evident, the treatedsurface can be wiped with a damp cloth and allowed to dry prior toapplying the finish coat.

[0099] For treating wall studs and wood members which are not accessibleby conventional application methods, the solution can be sprayed intovoids and channels in damaged wood and through small holes drilled intowalls and baseboard areas. A sufficient amount of coarse spray should beused in order to cover the area to the point of runoff.

[0100] While it is possible that older wood boring beetle larvae alreadypresent in the wood at the time of treatment may burrow deep into thewood ahead of the diffusing borate and emerge sometime after treatment,this will generally not occur frequently enough to cause structuraldamage to the wood.

[0101] Another use for the formulations of the present invention is inthe pretreatment of tree derived products and/or structures forprevention of subterranean and formosan termites in crawl spaces,basements and slabs. This treatment can also serve as a primarytreatment for the control of subterranean termites.

[0102] For buildings with crawl spaces and basements, diluted solutionsin accordance with the present invention can be applied to the point ofrunoff to all wood surfaces in crawl spaces and basements, includingsills, plates, all floor joists, piers, girders, and subfloors, as wellas wood which is exposed to vertical access from the soil. In this case,base plates and all interior and exterior studs shall be so treated.

[0103] For buildings on slabs, diluted solutions in accordance with thepresent invention can be applied to the point of runoff to all woodwhich is in contact with the slab, including all base plates, as well asstuds in both the interior and exterior walls. In that case, it shall beinsured that all sill plates and wood contacting garages and porches betreated. In cases where access is limited to one or two sides of a woodmember, two coats of diluted solutions can be applied to the exposedsurfaces in accordance with the present invention. At least 20 minutesshould be allowed to elapse between such applications.

[0104] Still another use of the formulations of the present invention isas a pretreatment to provide total protection from subterranean,formosan, drywood and dampwood termites, carpenter ants, old houseborers, anobiid and other wood boring beetles and wood decay fungi. Thismay be accomplished by applying diluted solutions in accordance with thepresent invention to all wood surfaces, ends and cracks at junctures tothe point of runoff. Such applications in areas that are particularlysusceptible to attack should be treated most carefully. These includesills, plates, floor joists, piers, girders, subfloors and any wood thatis exposed to vertical access to the floor. All base plates and studs onexterior walls should be so treated, as used as studs surrounding anyhigh moisture areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Forbuildings built on slabs, all wood in contact with the slab, includingall interior studs, should be treated.

[0105] In attics, all exposed wood should be treated, including ceilingjoists, trusses, top plates, soffits, rafters, and roof decking. Itshould also be insured that all sill plates and wood contacting garagesand porches are treated. In areas where access is limited to one or twosides of a wood member, two coats of diluted solutions should be appliedto the exposed surfaces in accordance with the present invention. Again,at least 20 minutes should be permitted to elapse between applications.

[0106] The compositions in accordance with the present invention mayalso be used for the post-construction treatment of basements and crawlspaces by applying diluted solutions in accordance with the presentinvention to the point of runoff to all wood surfaces including sillplates, piers, girders, subfloors, floor joists and any wood exposed tovertical access from the soil. Two coats of diluted solutions inaccordance with the present invention should be applied to wood whereaccess is limited to one or two sides of wood members, such as sills andplates on exterior walls. At least 20 minutes should again be permittedto elapse between applications.

[0107] The compositions in accordance with the present invention arealso useful for the treatment of exterior wood surfaces such as decks,sheds, and siding. The foregoing may be accomplished by applying thediluted solutions in accordance with the present invention only to barewood or to wood surfaces where an intact water repellent is not present.If necessary, paint or finish can be removed prior to application.Diluted solutions in accordance with the present invention should beapplied to the point of runoff to all wood surfaces. Two coats ofdiluted solutions in accordance with the present invention should beapplied to infested areas, and to those surfaces where access is limitedto one or two sides of wood members (siding, flooring, etc.). Theformulations should not be applied in rain or snow. Thus, exterior woodsurfaces should not be exposed to rain or snow for at least 48 hoursafter treatment. If inclement weather is expected, exterior treatedsurfaces should be protected with a plastic tarp.

[0108] Exterior wood surfaces which have been treated with solutions inaccordance with the present invention may require a topcoating with awater resistant finish such as paint or exterior stain. It is importantto allow treated wood to completely dry (at least 48 hours) beforeapplying any protective topcoat.

[0109] Furthermore, the compositions of the present invention may alsobe used in the treatment of log structures by applying diluted solutionsin accordance with the present invention only to bare wood or to woodsurfaces where an intact water repellent is not present. Dilutedsolutions in accordance with the present invention should thus beapplied to the point of runoff to all interior and exterior woodsurfaces. On round logs 10″ or greater in diameter and rectangular logslarger than 6″×12″, two coats of solution should generally applied. Atleast one hour should elapse between such applications. Two coats ofsolutions in accordance with the present invention should also beapplied to log ends, notches, corners and sill logs, and once again itshould not be applied during rain or snbw. Exterior wood surfaces shouldnot be exposed to rain or snow for at least 48 hours after treatment,and if inclement weather is expected, the exterior treated surfaceshould be protected with a plastic tarp. Firewood may also be treatedwith the formulations in accordance with the present invention toprevent and or eradicate infestation. This may be accomplished byspraying the diluted formulations of the present invention directly ontoa wood pile making sure to cover or coat all exposed wood surfaces. Itis preferred that the wood so treated be allowed to dry prior toburning. More efficient treatment may be accomplished by the removal ofexisting bark prior to application of the aforementioned formulations.

[0110] In another advantageous application, the formulations of thepresent invention may be used to treat decrative bark mulch to protectit from infestation.

[0111] In all of the foregoing, it is particularly advantageous to use aformulation comprising polyalkylene glycol having an average molecularweight of about 200 present in an amount of about 6.90%, ethylene glycolpresent in an amount of about 27.54%, disodium octaborate tetrahydratepresent in an amount of 23.54%, and water present in an amount of about42.01% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition diluted1:1 with water. Formulations diluted with 2-4 volumes of water may alsobe particularly useful.

[0112] Additionally, compositions in accordance with the presentinvention may be directly applied to the interior of trees andsubsequently dispersed throughout the tree to provide the tree with insitu protection from infestation and for the eradication of alreadyexisting infestation. These compositions include the polyalkyleneglycol/alkylene glycol/water/active formulations in accordance with thepresent invention as well as the formulations which include glycerine.Advantageously, a tree so treated which is then cut down at a later timewill generally not require additional treatments with the compositionsof the present formulation. Furthermore, the formulations of the presentinvention may be added to wood to impart a measure of flame retardancythereto. Thus, it should be understood that while this description isprimarily directed to compositions and methods of using thesecompositions to prevent and/or eradicate infestation, they may also beused to impart flame-retardency.

[0113] The compositions of the present invention may be applied in awide variety of ways. A number of these methods will now be discussed inmore detail.

[0114] Firstly, these compositions can be applied as a spray solution,via either low or high pressure (airless) sprayers.

[0115] When using low pressure portable sprayers, the diluted solutionsin accordance with the present invention are poured into the tank of alow pressure, garden type sprayer (such as the SP1 Knap Sack Sprayeravailable from Pagliai-Powell Imports, Inc. 12016 Wilshire Blvd., LosAngeles, Calif., and all wood surfaces, including the ends, can then besprayed. The solution is then applied until it begins to run off (thepoint of run off). If two or more coats of solutions in accordance withthe present invention are desired, at least 20 minutes should elapsebetween applications. Exterior treated surfaces should be protected fromrain for at least 48 hours.

[0116] When using high pressure or high volume sprayers, an amount ofclean water should be added to the holding or mixing tank as isnecessary to attain the desired final solutions in accordance with thepresent invention. Recirculation of the water is initiated, and thesolutions in accordance with the present invention are then slowly addedthereto. When the solution is uniform, spraying may begin. All woodsurfaces, including the ends, should be sprayed. The solution is applieduntil it begins to run off. If-two or more coats of solutions inaccordance with the present invention are desired, at least 20 minutesshould again elapse between applications. Exterior treated surfacesshould be protected from rain for at least 48 hours.

[0117] An amount of clean water should be added to the holding or mixingtank as is necessary to attain the desired final solutions in accordancewith the present invention. Recirculation of the water should beinitiated, and the solutions in accordance with the present inventioncan then be slowly added. When the solution is uniform, spraying maybegin. Wood members should be passed through the spray system, makingsure that all surfaces are coated with the solutions in accordance withthe present invention. Excess solution may be removed by high pressureair, vacuum or by allowing members to drip. Recovered solution may bereused.

[0118] The compositions of this invention may also be applied by meansof a brush-on solution. In doing so, the hands should be protected withsolvent resistant gloves. Diluted solutions in accordance with thepresent invention are then brushed onto all surfaces of the wood to betreated, including the ends. The solution is applied until it begins torun off, and it is again not applied in the rain or snow.

[0119] Yet another application method includes the application of a finemist onto wood surfaces or other material using a “fogging” device. Inthis case, diluted solutions in accordance with the present inventionare placed into a fogging device such as FOGMASTER Model 6208 orFOGMASTER Model 7401 manufactured by Fogmaster Corp., Deerfield Beach,Fla. The fogging device is placed into a confined area, where sprayingmay well be inconvenient or impractical. When turned on, the foggingdevice will thus emit a fine mist of diluted solutions in accordancewith the present invention, which will adhere to all surfaces present inthe confined area.

[0120] Another method of application includes immersing material into avat or tank of the solutions in accordance with the present invention.The wood is dipped into the diluted solutions in accordance with thepresent invention for at least about two minutes. Bundled wood membersshould be stickered in order to allow the solution to cover all woodsurfaces in the bundle. One dip application should be sufficient for allwood members up to and including 12 inches in diameter. Wood should beremoved from the dip tank and held above the tank for at least twominutes in order to allow the excess solution to drip back into thetank. The treated wood can be protected by storing under a roof or bycovering with a tarp for a period of at least about 48 hours.

[0121] Yet another method involves injecting the solution into a woodmember or live tree. In this case, a solution in accordance with thepresent invention is injected into the tree by drilling a hole into thebase (within 3 feet of the ground or at a convenient point in the treederived product) of the tree which is infested or subject to futureinfestations or decay. These holes can be made using a drill equippedwith a bit which is ¼ to 1 ½ inches in diameter. The solution inaccordance with the present invention is then inserted into the drilledcavity by means of a tube connected to a reservoir containing thesolution. The reservoir can be an inverted plastic container, which isattached to the tree (i.e. strapped thereto) above the drilled hole, orsuspended above the drill hole in tree derived products. The tube canthen be inserted into the tree through a hole adaptive means foraccommodating the introduction of a solution which may be a taperedstopper and the like which is cut to match the diameter of the drilledhole.

[0122] It will be beneficial to insert removable stoppers in order toreuse the assembly and to avoid contamination when the tree isharvested.

[0123] Another method of application involves spreading a paste orsuspension onto the surface of a wood member, live tree or material tobe treated. In this case, the solution in accordance with the presentinvention can be formed into a paste by mixing a thickening agent withthe concentrated solution in accordance with the present invention. Thepaste is applied to the wood surface by spreading with a brush, roller,or trowel. On live trees, it may be beneficial to remove sections of thebark prior to application.

[0124] Application can also take place by using traditional pressuretreatment methods. Current pressure treatment technology is used forimparting protection to wood via copper, chrome, and arsenic salts whichmandates the application of these chemicals in a water based solution.The only available borate chemicals other than solutions in accordancewith the present invention registered for use as wood preservatives aredry powders, which must be dissolved prior to use. The use of drypowders within the pressure treatment industry is not looked upon withfavor since existing equipment is designed to handle only aqueoussolutions or suspensions. Dilute versions of solutions in accordancewith the present invention can thus be used as a direct replacement forexisting treatment compositions.

[0125] The procedures for pressure treating wood are largely standarizedand may be used with little or no modification. One such standard usefulin accordance with the present invention is AWPA Standard C1-88 which iswithin the jurisdiction of American Wood-Preservers' AssociationSubcommittee T-1 and which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0126] The compositions of the present invention may also be used inconjunction with stains, paints, primers and other weather sealants toprovide long lasting protection from infestation and the elements. Thisis particularly useful when the tree derived products (wood, cellulose,etc.) to be treated is regularly exposed to the elements. Such productsare often incorporated in building exteriors, decks, outdoor furniture,docks, boats, and other exposed structural supports.

[0127] One method of using the compositions of the present inventionwith weather sealants is to first coat the wood to be treated with thecomposition of the present invention. Then, after about 48 hours, thesurface to which the compositions of the present invention were appliedcan be coated a second time with a conventional weather sealant, paint,primer, stain, or the like. This method is particularly useful inconjunction with sealant compositions which are incompatible with thecompositions of the present invention.

[0128] However, where weather sealant compositions are compatible withthe compositions of the present invention, it is possible, andadvantageous, to admix or otherwise provide a consolidated solutionwhich can be applied in one coat. One particular group of resinous basedcompounds which are compatible with the formulations of the presentinvention include the acrylics, styrene-acrylics, vinyl acrylics, vinylacrylic/ethylene or other emulsion polymer systems. Stains, paints, orweather sealants of this type can have added thereto an undilutedsolution in accordance with the present invention in an amount rangingfrom about 10 to about 20% by weight of the finished formula. It ispreferred that the pH of the resulting product be between about 4.5 andabout 9.5. Furthermore, it is important that surfactants, dispersants,pigments, and other additives contained within the sealant be tested forindividual compatibility with compositions of the present invention. Inthis context, it is important that the amount of water in the system(including the water in the wood) be considered. An unduly high waterconcentration may affect the stability of the compositions of thepresent invention. It is also important that the coating be tailoredsuch that the weather sealant does not dry too quickly. The compositionsof the present invention requires about 20-30 minutes to begin theprocess of impregnating the substrate. However, should the weatherresistant coating begin to dry or cure prior to that time, the activeingredient of the present invention may be entrapped and encapsulatedtherein.

[0129] In a more preferred embodiment, the combined weather selantcomposition includes an emulsion polymer system based sealant incombination with the basic undiluted formulations of the presentinvention. This includes a formulation including a homogenous solutionof at least one water emulsifiable polymer based weather selant suitablefor application to the surface of a tree derived product, in an amountof about 80% to about 90% by weight, and an environmentally safecomposition for treating tree derived products which include at leastone short chain polyalkylene glycol having an average molecular weightof between about 200 and 400, at least one short chain alkylene glycol,and a glycol soluble boron containing compound present in an amounteffective to prevent or eradicate infestation, wherein saidenvironmentally safe composite is provided in an amount of between about10% and 20% by weight. More preferably, the at least one short chainpolyalkylene glycol is polyethylene glycol and even more preferablypolyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of about 200. Theamount of polyalkylene glycol should range from about 4% to about 23%and preferably between about 8% and about 15% and more preferablybetween about 10% and about 13% by weight of the basic undilutedformulation, i.e. without including the weight of the weather sealant.

[0130] The short chain alkylene glycol is preferably ethylene glycolwhich is present in an amount of between about 27% and about 76% byweight and preferably between about 35% and 62% by weight, and morepreferably between about 45% and 54% by weight of the basic undilutedformulation.

[0131] The glycol soluble boron containing composition is preferablydisodium octaborate tetrahydrate which is present in an amount ofbetween about 20% and 50% by weight, and preferably between 30% andabout 50% by weight and more preferably between about 36% and 45% byweight of the basic undiluted formulation.

[0132] Most preferably, the environmentally safe composition to becombined with the emulsion based polymeric weather sealant shouldinclude about 11.9% PEG 200, 47.5% EG and 40.6% DOT by weight.

[0133] As previously described, another method of applying theformulations of the present invention is particularly well suited forwood which has already been weather treated. In such cases, theinjection of solutions of the present invention may avoid the need tostrip off existing weather protection. Of course, it may be possible todeliver a sufficient amount of the formulations of the present inventionto a piece of wood by injection in only one spot, it is preferred that aplurality of injections be used equally spaced throughout the treatedwood, based on the dimensions of wood, target infestation, dilutionfactor, wood porosity and desnity, ease of access and the like.

[0134] The foregoing will be better understood with reference to thefollowing examples. These examples are for purposes of illustration.They are not to be considered limiting as to the scope and nature of thepresent invention.

EXAMPLE I

[0135] Batch Process Batch #1014 MFG. Nov. 16, 1989 Ingredients Mfg. ByLot # 1) Ethylene Glycol Unocal 03161390 Cas #107-21-1 2) PEG E-200 Dow0104900 H Cas #025322-68-3 3) TIMBOR\ U.S. Borax 9-J110-28 DisodiumOctaborate Tetrahydrate Formula: Pounds Gallons Wt. % Raw Material772.00 83.01 47.50 Ethylene Glycol 194.00 20.70 11.90 PEG E-200 660.0037.07 40.60 TIMBOR\ Totals 1626.00 140.73 100.00

[0136] All ingredients weighted on WEIGHT TRONIX 5000# cap. Scale Model#DS-05 (±·1% accuracy)

[0137] Batch made in 150 gal. cap. Brighton Mixer with variable speedair motor/twin paddle-type agitators on single shaft. (304 stainlesssteel) Closed Lid-top entering agitator. Steel skirt to contain heat.Vented. Ser. No. 211.

[0138] Nalco propane heater 250,000 btu/hr. Model #2E427.

[0139] 1. Mixer was placed (empty) on scale and weight tared off.

[0140] 2. Ethylene glycol (772 lbs.) added from 2 55 gal. drums. Weighttared.

[0141] 3. Peg E-200 —(194 lbs.) was added—removed mixer from scale.

[0142] 4. Mixer started to blend glycol components (200 rpm approx.).

[0143] 5. propane heater placed under mixer and ignited—(¼ output)approx 75,000 BTU's/hour.

[0144] 6. After heating glycol mixture to 112° F. heat removed.

[0145] 7. 14-50 lbs. bags TIMBOR\ on pellet placed on scale and weightrecorded (750.4 lbs.).

[0146] 8. Added 12 (50 lbs.) bags TIMBOR\ (approx. 25 min e.t.)(approx.600 lbs. TIMBOR\).

[0147] 9. Empty bags (12) and pallet with 2 full bags returned toscale-weight recorded is 155.6 lbs.

[0148] 10. Calculated remaining TIMBOR\ to add—750.4—155.6=594.8 added660-594.8=65.2 lbs TIMBOR\—weighed and added to batch.

[0149] 11. Returned heater—full output 250,000 Btu/hr. heated for 43min. to 184° F. Removed heat—continued agitation for approx. 10. min toeven out possible hot-spots in mix. Product allowed to cool to 120° F.for pkg. (about 12 hrs.).

[0150] 12. Product was then pumped into HDPE 5 gal. containers withWilden model M-8 diaphragm pump and Rosedale Model 8 filter housing with150 micron nylon mesh filter.

[0151] Batch number was assigned as 1014. Composite sample analyzed byMicro-Macro International, Inc., Athens, Ga. to contain 8.76% boron or41.9% equivalent disodium octaborate tetrahydrate.

EXAMPLE II

[0152] Preserving Stain—Clear

[0153] In a Brighton mixer were combined 27.11 wt. % of UNOCAL 1018(Styrene-acrylate) (polymer emulsion) and 21.92 wt. % of deionized water(diluent). These were then mixed for three minutes. Then a UV package(17.0% TINUVIN 1130 U.V. light inhibitor, 34.14% TINUVIN 292 U.V. lightinhibitor, 48.78% TEXANOL solvent) in an amount of about 1% by weight ofthe formulation was added along with 1.7% by weight of glycol ether EB(cosolvent) and were mixed for about 10 min. Thereafter, the followingwere added under continuous agitation.

[0154] 0.036 wt. % Colloids 681-F (defoamer)

[0155] 0.50 wt. % Daxad 30 (pigment dispersement)

[0156] 0.001 wt. % Triton X-405 (surfactant)

[0157] 32.30 wt. % D.I. Water (diluent)

[0158] 2.72 wt.% Ethylehe Glycol (retards film formation)

[0159] 0.01 wt. % Kathon Lx 1.5% (in-can preservative)

[0160] 3.70 wt. % AQUABEAD 418E (water repellant usage)

[0161] 9.00 wt. % Undiulted formulation of the present inventioncomprising insecticide coating Machine colorant as needed not to exceed5% by weight;

[0162] Mix until homogeneous 10-15 min.

[0163] An important restriction of coating formulation is the viscosityand drying time of the system. The component will preferentiallypenetrate the substrate compared to the balance of the liquidcomponents, but drying time of the coating must allow time for this tooccur; typically at least 30 min. to one hour.

EXAMPLE III

[0164] The formulations of the present invention have been found to beparticularly useful for the treatment of low and moderate moisturecontent wood. Wood found in the home and typically constructedstructures usually has a moisture content of between about 15% and about30%. In wood with such a moisture content, the formulations of thepresent invention have a much higher rate of penetration thanconventional formulation such as those disclosed in Bechgaard. As notedpreviously, within 24 hours of the application of the formulations ofthe present invention to general structural lumber, and usually withinabout 1 hour after application, the wood so treated is dry to the touch.Wood treated with the solutions according to Bechgaard remain tacky tothe touch for in excess of one week. The penetration rate is alsoevident from the following example which uses wood having a moisturecontent even lower than commonly encountered:

[0165] 1. Three formulations in accordance withe present invention wereprepared from an initial composition including:

[0166] PEG 200-11.9% by weight undiluted, EG-47.5% by weight undiluted,disodium octaborate tetrahydrate—40.6% by weight undiluted. Thisformulation was then diluted as follows:

[0167] (a) 1:1 (50 ml formulation/50 ml H₂O) approx. 4.8% B content byweight or 1 part B per 8.8 parts water;

[0168] (b) 1:2 (33 ml formulation/66 ml H₂O) approx. 3.5% B content orabout 1 part B per 17.1 parts water; and

[0169] (c) 1:3 (25 ml formulation/75 ml H₂O) approx. 2.7%B conent orabout 1 part B per 25.6 parts H₂O.

[0170] (d) 100 ml of BORACOL—40% weight disodium octaborate tetrahydrateand 60% ethylene glycol, undiluted (approx. 8.36% B content by weight)was prepared for comparison.

[0171] 2. Each solution was placed in a separate Petri dish.

[0172] 3. 10 inch lengths of white pine 1-½″×¾″ stock (moisture contentof 11%, ½ inch into the wood using a Delmhorst Moisture Meter, Model,RC-2) were sectioned into two equal lengths of 5 inches each.

[0173] 4. Each five inch length was labeled, then placed, fresh cut enddown, in the Petri dishes. Five samples were placed into each solution.

[0174] 5. Wood samples were left in the solutions for 24 hours.

[0175] 6. At the end of 24 hours the wood samples were removed from thesolutions and air dried for 8 days.

[0176] 7. Approximately ¼″ was then removed from the face of each woodsample with an electric planer.

[0177] 8. Each sample was then sprayed with a curcumin indicator whichcan detect boron at levels equal to or greater than 0.2% boric acidequivalent. (Edlund, M. L. 1982, Utilization of curcumin for detectionof presence of boron in wood. Inter. J. of Wood Preserv. 2(3):133.)

[0178] 9. Three representative wood samples subjected to each solutionwere selected and photographs showing the penetration of the boronconstituent of each product were taken.

[0179] The length of boron penetration of each wood sample was measuredand recorded. The average length of penetration for each set of sampleswas then calculated. Solution Penetration Average Length of Boron (d)0.28 inches (a) 0.40 inches (b) 0.65 inches (c) 0.75 inches

EXAMPLE IV

[0180] Penetration Test of Pine Log

[0181] An eight inch diameter, three foot long, white pine log wasdetermined to have a moisture content of approximately 28%. The basicformulation in accordance with the present invention represented by (a)in EXAMPLE III was applied by brush to the circumference of the log. No.solution was applied to the ends.

[0182] Two days later another coat was applied by brush. Again, nothingwas applied to the ends.

[0183] After four weeks a cross section sample was taken from the middleof the log about 1-½ feet from the end. The cross section sample was airdried for 10 days, then sprayed with curcumin indicator in order todetermine borate penetration across the grain.

[0184] The borate was found to be uniformly distributed across theentire cross section sample. There did not appear to be any zone of highborate concentration vs low concentration. It was clear that the borateconsitituent of the formulation in accordance with the present inventionhad penetrated, across the grain, to the very center of the log.

EXAMPLE VI

[0185] 1. ¾ inch plywood panels containing 7% moisture content weretreated on one side with a solution containing PEG 200—11.9% by weight,EG-47.5% by weight and DOT—40.6% by weight diluted 1:1 with an equalvolume of water at application rates of 400 square feet per gallon(board feet) (1 coat), 200 square feet per gallon (2 coats) and 133square feet per gallon (3 coats).

[0186] 2. Two weeks after application cross section samples wereanalyzed. Calculated as Boric Treatment % B* % BAE* Acid Equivalent 1coat @ 0.048 0.27 400 sq. ft./gal. 2 coats @ 0.086 0.49 400 sq. ft./gal.3 coats @ 0.13  0.74 400 sq. ft./gal.

EXAMPLES VII-IX

[0187] The following formulations were prepared in accordance with thegeneral procedure of EXAMPLE I except as otherwise noted.

[0188] Batches 1012-1014

[0189] 660 lbs. of TIMBOR\ brand disodium octaborate tetrahydrateavailable from U.S. Borax (lot 9-J11D-18) (98% DOT/2% inert)

[0190] 194 lbs. of PEG 200 (Mfg. by Dow)

[0191] 772 lbs. of EG (Mfg. by Dow)

[0192] The mixture was heated for 2 hours until it reached 180° F.

[0193] Boron analyses (% Boron by weight)

[0194] Batch 1012—8.2

[0195] Batch 1013—8.6

[0196] Batch 1014—8.8

EXAMPLES X-XII

[0197] The following formulations were prepared in accordance with thegeneral procedure of EXAMPLE I, except as otherwise noted.

[0198] Batches 1015-1017

[0199] 660 lbs. of TIMBOR\ (Lot 9-J11D-28)

[0200] 194 lbs. of PEG 200 (Mfg. by Dow)

[0201] 772 lbs. of EG (Mfg. by Dow) (weights rounded up)

[0202] The mixture was heated for 4 hours at about 180° F. Bo

[0203] ron analysis (% Boron by weight)

[0204] Batch 1015—9.59

[0205] Batch 1016—9.80

[0206] Batch 1017—7.63

EXAMPLE XIII

[0207] The following formulation was prepared in accordance with thegeneral procedure of EXAMPLE I except as otherwise indicated.

[0208] Batch 1018

[0209] 663 lbs. of TIMBOR\ (Lot No.9-J11D-28)

[0210] 194 lbs. of PEG 200 (Mfg. by Dow, Lot No. 01049004H)

[0211] 772 lbs. of EG (Mfg. by Dow, Lot No. C5079,OMP)

[0212] The mixture was heated for 4 hours at about 180° F.

[0213] Boron analyses (% Boron by weight)

[0214] Batch 1018—8.87

EXAMPLE XIV

[0215] The following formulation was prepared in accordance with thegeneral procedure of EXAMPLE I, except as otherwise indicated.

[0216] Batch 1019

[0217] 860 lbs. of TIMBOR\ (47.09% by weight (Lot No. 9-J11D-28)

[0218] 194 lbs. of PEG 200 (10.62%) (Mfg. by Dow, Lot No. 0104900H)

[0219] 772 lbs. of EG (Mfg. by Dow, Lot No. 050790MP)

[0220] The formulation was liquid at STP.

[0221] Boron analysis (% Boron by weight)

[0222] Batch 1019—10.12 (Theoretical 9.64)

EXAMPLE XV

[0223] The following formulation was prepared in accordance with thegeneral procedure of EXAMPLE I, except as otherwise indicated.

[0224] Batch 1021

[0225] 770 lbs. of TIMBOR\ (44.35% by weight) (Lot No. 9-E31E-16)

[0226] 194 lbs. of PEG 200 (Mfg. by Dow, Lot No. 0104900H)

[0227] 772 lbs. of EG (Mfg. by Dow)

[0228] A new agitator was used and set at the middle of the shaft. Theglycols were heated to 112° F. prior to adding the TIMBOR\.

[0229] Boron analysis (% Boron by weight)

[0230] Batch 1021—8.33% (Theoretical 9.08% B)

EXAMPLE XVI

[0231] The following formulation was prepared in accordance with thegeneral procedure of EXAMPLE I, except as otherwise indicated.

[0232] Batch 1022

[0233] 700 lbs. of TIMBOR\ (42.94% by weight)(Lot No. 9-E31E-16)

[0234] 160 lbs. of PEG 200 (9.81%) (Mfg. by Dow, Lot No. 0104900H)

[0235] 770 lbs. of EG (47.24% (Mfg. by Dow, Lot No. 0316032790)

[0236] The glycol was warmed to 110° F. prior to the addition of theTIMBOR\ and then heated until 180° F.

[0237] Boron analyses (% Boron by weight)

[0238] Batch 1022—8.32 (Theoretical 8.795)

[0239] Because these examples were run on an open system, it is believedthe about 0.5% of the boron or about 8 lbs./batch is lost throughvolitilization. To compensate, as in Batch 1022, additional initialTIMBOR\ may be added.

EXAMPLE XVII

[0240] Dilution stability test (at 68° F. and 50% rel. humidity) 6 fl.oz. of various formulations were placed in open polystyrene containers(8 oz.) with wooden tongue depressers submerged in the formulation toprovide a nucleous for crystal formation. Dilution Ratio (H₂O) 1:1* 2:1*3:1* 4:1* 5:1* 1:0.2** 1:1** A B Day 1 N N N N N S N N H Day 2 S N N N NS S N H Day 3 M N N N N M S N H Day 4 H N N N N H M N H Day 5 V S N N NH H N H Day 6 V M N N N Day 7 V H N N N Day 8 V H N N N Day 9 V H N N NAfter 10 V V N N N days

EXAMPLE XVIII

[0241] 40.6% TIMBOR\ by weight (Lot No. 9-J-11D-28)

[0242] 47.5% Ethylene Glycol (Mfg. by Dow, Lot No. 0361390)

[0243] 11.9% Glycerine U.S.P. Grade 99% Mfg. by Dow, Lot No. TB850919-4)

[0244] The formulation was prepared on a lab-type hot plate with amagnetic stirrer SYBRON/THERMOLYNE (Model No. BP-13115) in a 500 mlbeaker. The ingredients were heated under agitation to 180° F. with apetri dish cover over the beaker and using a teflon coated stir-bar.(1.5″)

EXAMPLE XIX

[0245] The following formulation was prepared in accordance with thegeneral procedure of EXAMPLE XVIII except as otherwise noted.

[0246] 49.6% TIMBOR\ by weight (Lot No. 9-J11D-28)

[0247] 59.4% glycerine U.S.P. Grade 99% Mfg. by Dow (Lot No. TB880919-4)

EXAMPLE XX

[0248] The following formulation was prepared in accordance with thegeneral procedure of EXAMPLE XVIII except as otherwide noted.

[0249] 40.6% TIMBOR\ by weight (Lot No. 9-J11D-28)

[0250] 11.9% PEG 300 (Mfg. by Dow Lot No. TB880723)

[0251] 47.5% EG (Mfg. by Dow)

EXAMPLE XXI

[0252] A mixture of 40.6% by weight of TIMBOR\ and 59.4% by weight ofglycerine (99%) U.S.P. grade from Dow was prepared by charging bothingredients to a vessel and heating with constant agitation on alaboratory hot plate/stirrer 280° F. After the mixture reached 180° themixture was allowed to cool.

[0253] A pine block 3-½″×10″×1-½″ had four holes ⅛″ in diameter and ¾″deep drilled into it at 1″ intervals. The aforementioned mixture wasinjected into the holes (undiluted) with a syringe and allowed todiffuse at ambient conditions for four weeks. The block was then sawedin half lengthwise through all four holes and sprayed with acalorimetric indicator. Boron penetration of greater than 0.2% BAE wasindicated by a red color. Penetration of this concentration averagedapproximately ¾ ″in distance from the injection sites.

[0254] The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation ofthe present invention have been described in the foregoingspecification. The invention which is intended to be protected herein,however, is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodimentsdisclosed, since these are to be regarded as illustrative rather thanrestrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In the claims:
 1. An environmentally safe composition for treating treesand tree derived products comprising: at least one short chainpolyalkylene glycol having an average molecular weight of between about200 and 400; at least one short chain alkylene glycol; and a glycolsoluble boron containing compound in an amount effective to prevent oreradicate infestation.
 2. The composition of claim 1 wherein said atleast one short chain polyalkylene glycol is polyethylene glycol and ispresent in an amount of between about 4% and about 23% by weight; saidat least one short chain alkylene glycol is ethylene glycol and ispresent in amount of between about 27% and about 76% by weight and saidglycol soluble boron containing compound is disodium octaboratetetrahydrate and is present in an amount of between about 20% and about50% by weight.
 3. The composition of claim 2 wherein said polyethyleneglycol has an average molecular weight of about 200 and is present in anamount of between about 8% and 15% by weight, said ethylene glycol ispresent in an amount of between about 35% and about 62% by weight andsaid disodium octaborate tetrahydrate is present in an amount of betweenabout 30% and about 50% by weight.
 4. The composition of claim 3 whereinsaid polyethylene glycol is present in an amount of between about 10%and 13% by weight, said ethylene glycol is present in an amount ofbetween about 45% and about 54% by weight and said disodium octaborateis present in an amount of between about 36% and about 45% by weight. 5.The composition of claim 4 wherein said polyethylene glycol is presentin an amount of about 11.9% by weight, said ethylene glycol is presentin an amount of about 47.5% by weight and said disodium octaboratetetrahydrate is present in an amount of about 40.6% by weight.
 6. Thecomposition of claim 1 further comprising water.
 7. The composition ofclaim 6 wherein said water is present in an amount up to about 10 timesthe volume of the combination of said at least one short chainpolyalkylene glycol, said at least one short chain alkylene glycol andsaid glycol soluble boron containing compound.
 8. The composition ofclaim 7 wherein said water is present in an amount of between about 0.5and about 5 times the combined volume of said other three ingredients.9. The composition of claim 3 further comprising water.
 10. Thecomposition of claim 9, wherein said water is present in an amount of upto about 10 times the volume of the combination of said short claimpolyethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and said disodium octaboratetetrahydrate.
 11. The composition of claim 10, wherein said water ispresent in an amount of between about 0.5 and about 5 times the combinedvolume of said other three ingredients.
 12. The composition of claim 4,further comprising water.
 13. The composition of claim 12, wherein saidwater is present in an amount of up to about 10 times the volume of thecombination of said short claim polyethylene glycol, ethylene glycol,and said disodium octaborate tetrahydrate.
 14. The composition of claim13, wherein said water is present in an amount of between about 0.5 andabout 5 times the combined volume of said other three ingredients. 15.The composition of claim 14, wherein said water is present in an amountof between about 1 and about 4 times the combined volume of said otherthree ingredients.
 16. The composition of claim 5, further comprisingwater.
 17. The composition of claim 16, wherein said water is present inan amount of up to about 10 times the volume of the combination of saidshort claim polyethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and said disodiumoctaborate tetrahydrate.
 18. The composition of claim 17, wherein saidwater is present in an amount of between about 0.5 and about 5 times thecombined volume of said other three ingredients.
 19. The composition ofclaim 18, wherein said water is present in an amount of between about 1and about 4 times the combined volume of said other three ingredients.20. The composition of claim 19, wherein said polyethylene glycol ispresent in an amount of about 6.90% by weight, said ethylene glycol ispresent in an amount of about 27.54% by weight, said disodium octaboratetetrahydrate is present in an amount of 23.54% by weight, and said wateris present in an amount of about 42.01% by weight, based on the totalweight of the composition.
 21. An environmentally safe composition fortreating trees and tree derived products comprising: a mixed glycolincluding at least one short chain polyalkylene glycol having an averagemolecular weight of between about 200 and about 400, and at least oneshort chain alkylene glycol; and boron provided as a glycol solubleboron containing composition in an amount effective to prevent oreradicate infestation.
 22. The composition of claim 21 wherein saidboron and said mixed glycols are present in an amount of between about 1part boron to about 5 parts mixed glycol to about 1 part boron to about20 parts mixed glycol, and said mixed glycol includes from about 1 partof said polyalkylene glycol to about 1 part of said alkylene glycol toabout 1 part of said polyalkylene glycol to about 20 parts of saidalkylene glycol.
 23. The composition of claim 22 wherein said shortchain polyalkylene glycol is polyethylene glycol, said short chainalkylene glycol is ethylene glycol, and said boron provided as a glycolsoluble boron containing compound is selected from the group consistingof disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, borax, boric acid, potassium,ammonium, and sodium salts of boric acid, and boric oxide.
 24. Thecomposition of claim 23 wherein said polyethylen glycol has an averagemolecular weight of about 200 and said boron and said mixed glycols arepresent in an amount of between about 1 part boron to about 6.5 partsmixed glycol to about 1 part boron to about 10 parts mixed glycol. 25.The composition of claim 24 wherein the amount of said boron is about 1part per 7.12 parts of said mixed glycol and the ratio of saidpolyethylene glycol and said ethylene glycol is about 1:4.
 26. Thecomposition of claim 24 wherein said glycol soluble boron containingcompound is disodium octaborate tetrahydrate.
 27. The composition ofclaim 21 further comprising water.
 28. The composition of claim 27wherein said water is provided in an amount of up to 85.5 parts per partof boron.
 29. The composition of claim 23 further comprising water in anamount of up to about 85.5 parts per part of boron.
 30. The compositionof claim 26 further comprising water in an amount of between about 8.8parts per part boron to about 85.5 parts per part boron.
 31. Thecomposition of claim 30 wherein said water is present in an amount ofbetween and about 8.8 parts per part boron to about 34.2 parts per partboron.
 32. A method for manufacturing an environmentally safecomposition useful for preventing and eradicating infestation in a treeor tree derived product comprising the steps of charging at least oneshort chain polyalkylene glycol having an average molecular weight ofbetween about 200 and about 400 and at least one short chain alkyleneglycol to a sealable vessel; agitating said glycols; adding to saidglycols an amount of glycol soluble boron containing compound effectiveto prevent or eradicate infestation; agitating said glycols and saidboron containing compound to produce a homogeneous mixture; elevatingthe temperature of said mixture to between about 160° F. and 180° F.;and filtering the resulting solution.
 33. The method of claim 32 furthercomprising the step of heating said solution prior to the addition ofsaid glycol soluble boron containing compound and during agitation. 34.The method of claim 32 wherein said short chain polyalkylene glycolhaving an average molecular weight of between about 200 and about 400 isa polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of about 200,said short chain alkylene glycol is ethylene glycol and said glycolsoluble boron containing compound is selected from the group consistingof disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, borax, boric acid, potassium,ammonium, and sodium salts of boric acid, and boric oxide.
 35. Themethod of claim 34 wherein said polyethylene glycol has an averagemolecular weight of about 200 and is present in an amount of betweenabout 8 and 15% by weight, said ethylene glycol is present in an amountof between about 35% and about 62% by weight and said glycol solubleboron containing compound is disodium octaborate tetrahydrate and ispresent in an amount of between about 30% and about 50% by weight. 36.The method of claim 35 wherein said polyethylene glycol is present in anamount of between about 10% and about 13% by weight, said ethyleneglycol is present in an amount of between about 45% and about 54% byweight and said disodium octaborate is present in an amount of betweenabout 36% and about 45% by weight.
 37. The method of claim 36 whereinsaid polyethylene glycol is present in an amount of about 11.9% byweight, said ethylene glycol is present in an amount of about 47.5% byweight said disodium octaborate tetrahydrate is present in an amount ofabout 40.6% by weight.
 38. The method of claim 32 further comprising thestep of adding a measured amount of water to said filtered mixture; andmixing said solution to provide uniformity and eliminate cloudinesstherein.
 39. The method of claim 38 including heating said water to atemperature of between about 60° F. and about 110° F.
 40. The method ofclaim 38 wherein said short chain polyalkylene glycol having an averagemolecular weight of between about 200 and about 400 is polyethyleneglycol having an average molecular weight of about 200 present in anamount of between about 8 and about 15% by weight, said alkylene glycolis ethylene glycol and is present in an amount of between about 35% andabout 62% by weight, said glycol soluble boron containing compound isdisodium octaborate tetrahydrate and is present in an amount of betweenabout 30% and about 50%, and said water is present in an amount of up toabout 10 times the volume of the other three ingredients.
 41. The methodof claim 40 wherein said polyethylene glycol is present in an amount ofbetween about 10% and about 13% by weight, said ethylene glycol ispresent in an amount of between about 45% and about 54% by weight, andsaid disodium octaborate tetrahydrate is present in an amount of betweenabout 36% and about 45% by weight.
 42. The method of claim 41 whereinsaid polyethylene glycol is present in an amount of about 11.9% byweight; said ethylene glycol is present in an amount of about 47.5% byweight, said disodium octaborate tetrahydrate is present in an amount ofabout 40.6% by weight and said water is present in an amount of betweenabout 1 and about 4 times the volume of the combination of the otherthree ingredients.
 43. A method of preventing or eradicating aninfestation in a tree derived product comprising the steps of: providingan environmentally safe composition comprising at least one short chainpolyalkylene glycol having an average molecular weight of between about200 and 400; at least one short chain alkylene glycol; and a glycolsoluble boron containing compound in an amount effective to prevent oreradicate infestation; diluting said composition with water in amount ofbetween about 0.50 and about 10.0 times the volume of the combination ofthe other three ingredients; mixing the resulting solution to provideuniformity and eliminate cloudiness; and applying said mixture to asurface of said tree derived product.
 44. The method of claim 43 whereinsaid step of applying said mixture is accomplished by a process selectedfrom the group consisting of low pressure spraying, high pressurespraying, brushing, misting, immersion, injection, spreading, insertion,and pressure treatment.
 45. The method of claim 44 wherein saidenvironmentally safe composition comprises polyethylene glycol having anaverage molecular weight of about 200, ethylene glycol, and a glycolsoluble boron containing compound selected from the group consisting ofdisodium octaborate tetrahydrate, borax, boric acid, potassium,ammonium, and sodium salts of boric acid and boric oxide.
 46. The methodof claim 45 wherein said polyethylene glycol is present in an amount ofbetween about 8 and 15% by weight of the undiluted composition, saidethylene glycol is present in an amount of between about 35% and about62% by weight of the undiluted composition and said glycol soluble boroncontaining compound is disodium octaborate tetrahydrate and is presentin an amount of between about 30% and about 50% by weight of theundiluted composition.
 47. The method of claim 46 wherein saidpolyethylene glycol is present in an amount of between and about 10% andabout 13% by weight of the undiluted composition, said ethylene glycolis present in an amount of between about 45% and about 54% by weight ofthe undiluted composition, and said disodium cotaborate tetrahydrate ispresent in an amount of between about 36% and 45% by weight of theundiluted composition.
 48. The method of claim 47 wherein saidpolyethylene glycol is present in an amount of about 11.9% by weight ofthe undiluted composition, said ethylene glycol is present in an amountof about 47.5% by weight of the undiluted composition and, said disodiumoctaborate tetrahydrate is present in an amount of about 40.6% by weightof the undiluted composition.
 49. The method of claim 44 wherein saidwater is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 5 times thevolume of the three other ingredients.
 50. The method of claim 49wherein said water is present in an amount of between about 1 and about4 times the volume of the other three ingredients.
 51. A method ofpreventing or eradicating an infestation in a tree derived productcomprising the steps of: providing an environmentally safe compositionincluding a mixed glycol including at least one short chain polyalkyleneglycol having an average molecular weight of between about 200 and about400, and at least one short chain alkylene glycol; and boron provided asa glycol soluble boron containing composition in an amount effective toprevent or erradicate infestation; diluting said composition with waterin an amount of between about 1 part boron to about 8.8 parts water toabout 1 part boron to about 85.5 parts water; mixing the resultingsolution to provide uniformity and eliminate cloudiness; and applyingsaid mixture to a surface of a tree derived product.
 52. The method ofclaim 51 wherein said step of applying said mixture is accomplished by aprocess selected from the group consisting of low pressure spraying,high pressure spraying, brushing, misting, immersion, injection,spreading, insertion, and pressure treatment.
 53. The method of claim 52wherein said short chain polyalkylene glycol having an average molecularweight of between about 200 and about 400 is polyethylene glycol havingan average molecular weight of about 200, said alkylene glycol isethylene glycol and said boron provided as a glycol soluble boroncontaining compound is selected from the group consisting of disodiumoctaborate tetrahydrate, borax, boric acid, potassium, ammonium, andsodium salts of boric acid and boric oxide.
 54. The composition of claim53 wherein said boron and said mixed glycols are present in an amount ofbetween about 1 part boron to about 5 parts mixed glycol to about 1 partboron to about 20 parts mixed glycol and said mixed glycols include fromabout 1 part of said polyethylene glycol to about 1 part of saidalkalyne ethylene glycol to about 1 part of said polyethylene glycol toabout 20 parts of said ethylene glycol.
 55. The method of claim 54wherein said boron and said mixed glycols are present in an amount ofbetween about 1 part boron to about 6.5 parts mixed glycol to about 1part boron to about 10 parts mixed glycol and wherein said water ispresent in an amount of between about 8.8 parts per part boron to about34.2 parts per part boron.
 56. The method of claim 55 wherein said boronis present in an amount of about 1 part per 7.12 parts of said mixedglycol and the ratio of said polethylene glycol and said ethylene glycolis about 1:4 and said water is present in an amount of about 8.8 partswater to about 1 part boron.
 57. A method of treating a living tree toprevent or eradicate infestation comprising the steps of: drilling ahole in the trunk of a tree to be treated; inserting into said holeadaptive means for accommodating the introduction of a solution; andadministering an environmentally safe composition comprising at leastone short chain polyalkylene glycol having an average molecular weightof between about 200 and about 400; at least one short chain alkyleneglycol; and a glycol soluble boron containing compound in an amounteffective to prevent or eradicate infestation to said tree through saidadaptive means.
 58. The method of claim 57 further comprising the stepsof removing said adaptive means from the trunk of said tree and patchingsaid hole.
 59. The method of claim 57 wherein said hole is approximately0.25″ to about 2.5″ wide and approximately as deep as the radius of saidtree.
 60. The method of claim 57 wherein said short chain polyalkyleneglycol having an average molecular weight of between about 200 and about400 is polyethylene glycol and is present in an amount of between about8% and 15% by weight, said short chain alkylene glycol is ethyleneglycol and is present in an amount of between about 35% and about 62% byweight and said glycol soluble boron containing compound is disodiumoctaborate tetrahydrate and is present in an amount of between about 30%and about 50% by weight.
 61. The method of claim 60 wherein saidpolethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 200, and ispresent in an amount of about 10% to about 13% by weight, said ethyleneglycol is present in an amount of between about 45% and 54% by weightand said disodium octaborate tetrahydrate is present in an amount ofbetween about 36% and about 45% by weight.
 62. The method of claim 61wherein said polyethylene glycol is present in an amount of about 11.9%by weight, said ethylene glycol is present in an amount of about 47.5%by weight said disodium octaborate tetrahydrate is present in an amountof about 40.6% by weight.
 63. The method of claim 57 further comprisingwater in an amount of less than about 50% of the volume of thecombination of the other three ingredients.
 64. A tree treated inaccordance with the method of claim
 57. 65. A tree treated in accordancewith the method of claim
 61. 66. A tree treated in accordance with themethod of claim
 63. 67. A composition of matter comprising at least oneshort chain alkylene glycol, at least one glycol soluble boroncontaining composition and water in an amount of at least about 50% byweight based on the weight of the other two ingredients.
 68. Thecomposition of claim 67 wherein the ratio of said alkylene glycol tosaid boron containing composition is from about 10:1 to about 1.5:1. 69.The composition of claim 68 wherein said alkylene glycol is ethyleneglycol and is present in an amount of about 60% by weight, based uponthe undiluted weight of the composition, said boron containingcomposition is disodium octaborate tetrahydrate and is present in anamount of about 40% by weight based on the weight of the other twoingredients.
 70. A composition of matter capable of providing protectionagainst infestation and weathering comprising: a homogenous solution ofat least one water emulsifiable polymer based weather sealant suitablefor application to the surface of a tree derived product, in an amountof about 80% to about 90% by weight; and an environmentally safecomposition for treating tree derived products which includes at leastone short chain polyalkylerte glycol having an average molecular weightof between about 200 and 400, at least one short chain alkylene glycol,and a glycol soluble boron containing compound present in an amounteffective to prevent or eradicate infestation, wherein saidenvironmentally safe composite is provided in an amount of between about10% and 20% by weight.
 71. The composition of claim 70 wherein said atleast one short chain polyakylene glycol is polyethylene glycol and ispresent in an amount of between about 4% and about 23% by weight; saidat least one short chain alkylene glycol is ethylene glycol and ispresent in amount of between about 27 and about 76% by weight and saidglycol soluble boron containing compound is disodium octaboratetetrahydrate and is present in an amount of between about 20% and about50% by weight.
 72. The composition of calim 71 wherein said polyethyleneglycol has an average molecular weight of about 200 and is present in anamount of between about 8% and 15% by weight, said ethylene glycol ispresent in an amount of between about 35% and about 62% by weight andsaid disodium octaborate tetrahydrate is present in an amount of betweenabout 30% and about 50% by weight.
 73. The composition of claim 72wherein said polyethylene glycol is present in an amount of betweenabout 10% and 13% by weight, said ethylene glycol is present in anamount of between about 45% and about 54% by weight and said disodiumoctaborate is present in an amount of between about 36% and about 45%weight.
 74. The composition of claim 73 wherein said polyethylene glycolis present in an amount of about 11.9% by weight, said ethylene glycolis present in an amount of about 47.5% by weight and said disodiumoctaborate tetrahydrate is present in an amount of about 40.6% byweight.
 75. An environmentally safe composition for treating trees andtree derived products comprising: boron provided as glycerine solubleboron containing composition in an amount effective to prevent oreradicate infestation; and glycerine in an amount effective tosolubilize all of said boron.
 76. The composition of claim 75 whereinsaid glycerine is present in an amount of from about 5 to about 20 partsper part boron.
 77. The composition of claim 76 wherein said boronprovided as a glycerine soluble boron containing composition is selectedfrom the group consisting of disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, borax,boric acid, potassium, ammonium and sodium salts of boric acid and boricoxide.
 78. The composition of claim 77 wherein said boron is disodiumoctaborate tetrahydrate provided in an amount of about 40.6% by weightwith the balance being said glycerine.
 79. The composition of claim 75further comprising water in an amount of up to about 85.5 parts per partof boron.
 80. The composition of claim 78 further comprising water in anamount of up to about 85.5 parts per part of boron.
 81. The compositionof claim 80 wherein said water is provided in an amount of between about8.8 and about 34.2 part per part of boron.
 82. An environmentally safecomposition for treating trees and tree derived products comprisingboron provided as a glycerine and glycol soluble boron containingcompound; provided in an amount effective to prevent or eradicateinfestation; and a mixture of glycerine and at least one short chainalkylene glycol, said mixture present in an amount effective tosolubilize all of said boron.
 83. The composition of claim 82 whereinsaid mixture of said glycerine and said glycol is present in an amountof from about 6.5 to about 10 parts per part boron.
 84. The compositionof claim 83 wherein the ratio of said glycol to said glycerine is fromabout 4:1 to about 1:4.
 85. The composition of claim 84 wherein saidglycol is ethylene glycol and said boron provided as a glycerine andglycol soluble boron containing compound is selected from the groupconsisting of disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, borax, boric acid,potassium, ammonium and sodium salts of boric acid, and boric oxide. 86.The composition of claim 85 wherein said boron provided as a glycerineand glycol soluble boron containing compound is disodium octaboratetetrahydrate present in an amount of about 40.6% by weight, saidethylene glycol is present in an amount of about 47.5% by weight andsaid glycerine is present in an amount of about 11.9% by weight.
 87. Thecomposition of claim 82 further comprising water in an amount of up toabout 85.5 parts per part boron.
 88. The composition of claim 86 furthercomprising water in an amount of up to about 85.5 parts per part boron.89. The composition of claim 88 wherein said water is provided in anamount of between about 8.8 and about 34.2 parts per part of boron. 90.The composition of claim 86 diluted 1:1 with water.
 91. A method oftreating a live tree to prevent or eradicate infestation comprising thesteps of: drilling a hole in the trunk of a tree to be treated;inserting into said hole adaptive means for accommodating theintroduction of a solution; administering an environmental safecomposition comprising boron provided as a glycerine soluble boroncontaining composition in an amount effective to prevent or eradicateinfestation and glycerine in an amount effective to solubilize all ofsaid boron.
 92. The method of claim 91 wherein said glycerine is presentin an amount of from about 5 to about 20 parts per part boron.
 93. Themethod of claim 92 wherein said boron provided as a glycerine solubleboron containing composition is selected from a group consisting ofdisodium octaborate tetrahydrate borax, boric acid, potassium, ammoniumand sodium salts of boric acid and boric oxide.
 94. The method of claim93 wherein said boron is disodium octaborate tetrahydrate provided in anamount of about 40.6% by weight with the balance being said glycerine.95. A method of treating a living tree to prevent or eradicateinfestation comprising the steps of: drilling a hole in the trunk of atree to be treated; inserting into said hole adaptive means foraccommodating the introduction of a solution; and administering anenvironmentally safe composition comprising boron provided as aglycerine and glycol soluble boron containing compound; provided in anamount effective to prevent or eradicate infestation and a mixture ofglycerine and at least one short chain alyklyne glycol said mixturepresent in an amount effective to solubilize all of said boron.
 96. Themethod of claim 95 wherein said mixture of said glycerine and saidglycol are present in an amount of from about 6.5 to about 10 parts perpart boron.
 97. The composition of claim 96 wherein the ratio of saidglycol to said glycerine is from about 4:1 to about 1:4.
 98. The methodof claim 97 wherein said glycol is ethylene glycol and said boronprovided as a glycerine and glycol soluble boron containing compound isselected from the group consisting of disodium octaborate tetrahydrate,borax, boric acid, potassium, ammonium and sodium salts of boric acid,and boric oxide.
 99. The method of claim 98 wherein said boron providedas a glycerine and glycol soluble boron containing compound is disodiumoctaborate tetrahydrate present in an amount of about 40.6% by weight,said ethylene glycol is present in an amount of about 47.5% by weightand said glycerine is present in an amount of about 11.9% by weight.